Klopp has big decisions at full back ahead of Watford game
By David Gate
Jurgen Klopp has two big decisions to make at full back ahead of the Premier League season opener against Watford at Vicarage Road.
With only two days until we face Watford in our first game of the Premier League campaign we have a good idea of who will be available. Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are confirmed absent. Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho may be available but will probably not feature in the starting lineup as both have missed significant time training. There is a huge game in Hoffenheim on Tuesday and so less risks will be taken this Saturday.
Those injuries mean that the attack and midfield almost pick themselves. It is hard to see Klopp choosing any other front three than Mane, Salah and Firmino. The trio eviscerated Bayern Munich and are by far Liverpool’s best available attacking options. Solanke and Origi will be fighting for a place on the bench with Ben Woodburn.
The midfield three also looks automatic with Henderson, Can and Wijnaldum the experienced options. We know Klopp prefers to have Lallana or Coutinho in there but three available physically match up with Watford well.
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Mignolet, Matip and Lovren are givens which leaves only the full back positions where big decisions need to be made. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been the go-to right back for almost every preseason game with Clyne injured. The odds are in his favor to get the nod on Saturday after impressing this summer. However, Joe Gomez is the better defender and Klopp may want something more solid at the back to cope with Watford’s aerial threats.
The decision for right back will be shaped by who plays on the left. It is unlikely that Klopp will have two attacking, defensively suspect, full backs to start. If the manager chooses Alberto Moreno or Andrew Robertson to man the left back spot then he is unlikely to pair them with TAA.
My expectation is that James Milner will stay as the designated left back until either of the two competitors prove themselves to be trusted with the defensive responsibilities of the role.
Next: Coutinho staying shows the belief we can be great again.
Klopp’s choices this Saturday will tell us a lot about how he views the youngsters and the standard of our our squad depth in defense.