After a hectic week at the Merseyside, Liverpool are back in action this weekend in a trip to struggling Villa as Jurgen Klopp eyes only his second victory in the league since the turn of the year. Liverpool have not been able to win a game since the 5-4 victory over Norwich City and will have to find some form going into the business end of the season.
The biggest positive however will be the selection dilemma the manager now faces with as many as 4 strikers fit for this trip. Origi, Sturridge and Benteke are all in contention to start at Villa Park but Klopp might turn to Firmino to start up top. Midfielder Joe Allen and defenders Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren are out for his game through injury. The manager is expected to make as many as 8 changes to the team that faced the cup exit at the Upton Park in the mid-week.
Here is the strongest Liverpool line-up that will face Villa on Sunday:
Goal Keeper:
Simon Mignolet:
The Belgian has been under immense pressure off late and will have to start showing his potential else he might end up losing a place in the squad sooner rather than later.
Defense:
Nathaniel Clyne:
A no-brainer for Klopp even as Flanagan is back fit in the squad. Clyne has been one of the best players at the back for the club this season and deserves to start at Villa Park.
Kolo Toure:
The injuries to Skrtel and Lovren will see Toure given an extended run in the team after he impressed in his recent outings.
Mamadou Sakho:
The French international is badly in need of some confidence and this game against the struggling Villains might prove to be important for his confidence going into the rest of the season.
Alberto Moreno:
The Spaniard tops the charts for chances created by Liverpool and will be at it again after a week’s break and will be hoping to give his best to the team.
Mid-field:
Emre Can:
Though slowly fading away, the German international still has a lot to provide in this season and will have an important role to play at Villa Park.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper will be happy with his week-long break and will be raring to go and help his team take all three points from this game on Sunday.
James Milner:
The England international has not been in the best of the forms but is an important player for the club in the mid-field. He should not let any complacency set in if the visitors are hunting for the 3 points.
Adam Lallana:
The ex-Southampton mid-fielder has not been able to live up to his potential but will get his chance on Sunday and will have to prove himself quickly if he wants to stay at Liverpool for the next season.
Phillipe Coutinho:
The Brazilian was back among the goals with a superb free kick in the mid-week. Though he is just back from injury, he played less than an hour in the weekend and will surely start this game.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino:
With 5 goals so far this season, Firmino is the in-form player for the club at the moment. He will have to do well alongside fellow Brazilian who is just back from injury.
Formation: 4-3-2-1
