Liverpool predicted XI vs Chelsea: Friday Night Football

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool gives a drink to Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool gives a drink to Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates scoring his free kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on August 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates scoring his free kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on August 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

LM Philippe Coutinho

After a hellacious travel schedule from Europe all around South America and back, Coutinho wasn’t recharged enough to start against Leicester City. He wasn’t needed in the win, but he entered off the bench.

Coutinho must’ve been hungry watching all the carnage, because it took him about two touches before he attempted a shot from 30 yards. Nice! Love the desire!

The Brazilian should stand to return to the starting lineup against Chelsea. Last season at Stamford Bridge, not that this matters much other than to articulate how great Coutinho is, he scored two brilliant goals that were mirror images of the other with each foot in their 3-1 win.

Liverpool have a lot of above average players in attack. They don’t have a Luis Suarez, but they have a few Coutinho type of talents. Certainly better than most, but not one of the best in the world, which makes selection difficult.

Coutinho is generally the best of the bunch but isn’t in the form that Mane, Firmino and Lallana are in, though. But there should be enough room to accommodate the no. 10.

Next: ST Daniel Sturridge