Crystal Palace vs Liverpool l Live fans match thread!
Not only were there no new injuries but Thiago was seen at training with the squad on Thursday.
Still waiting to hear any news on Matip who was a "late" decision not to be included mid week and according to Klopp in his press conference for this match it's the same for Thiago, Milly and Shaq. A maybe, maybe not was as much commitment as we have to work with.
In general, are the tables starting to turn? Literally they have as we've opened up a slender lead at the top and done so despite yet finding our best form. With players slowly filtering back from injury, teams better watch out as we begin to really hit our stride.
Due to the extremely short turn around, for this match it will be interesting to see who Klopp gives starts to. As above there's no massive need to rush players back but the likes of Ox have remained on the bench for the last two games and must surely be an option.
The only problem area I see with such a small gap from the Spurs game is our front three. Mane, Bobby and Salah have all been putting in serious pitch time and could do with a rest but with Jota out and Origi as useful as a woodpecker with a rubber beak we're a little short on covering fire power.
Although following a mentally and physically punishing game mid week, this one arrives hot on it's heels, afterwards there will be a seven day - nice early Christmas break/present for the squad before returning on the 27th of December.
With all these variations to consider I would like to see us line up with the following lads (not that I think Klopp will go for this).
Alisson, TAA, Robbo, Rhys, Matip, Gini, Jones, Ox, Bobby, Mane, Salah.
Kelleher, Neco, Naby, Thiago, Hendo, Taki, Origi.
I've left Fabinho out because I feel he deserves a well earned rest. Now if Matip isn't fit then Fab's goes straight back into CB. Hendo is dropped to the bench as he too could do with a rest and between him and Gini, Hendo tends to be the more injury prone so must be man managed.
I do think our front three need a rest but thought it would be harsh to bench Bobby after his heroics on Wednesday and we have no real cover for Mane and Mo. Fingers crossed for early goals leading to early subs so our attackers can get some rest that way.
Lastly, congratulations to Jurgen Klopp in winning the Best FIFA Men's Coach, for the second successive year. Let's hope we also reward him with a victory against palace.
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