Liverpool predicted XI v Maribor: Young Reds set to shine
By David Gate
Forwards
Klopp has been hesitant to start summer signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. His only start was against Leicester in the League Cup. That didn’t go too well. Since then he has made a couple of cameos. The best of which was against Maribor last time out in the Champions League. With Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and potentially Coutinho all missing I think this will be AOC’s opportunity to impress in front of the Kop.
As news broke about Coutinho’s injury late last week there was much speculation over if it would be AOC or Daniel Sturridge to come into the side. Sturridge got the nod and rewarded his manager with the opening goal and a good all-round striker performance.
There could be a big shout to start Dominic Solanke who deserves a chance but it has been so hard for Sturridge to get back into the rhythm of top-level appearances he may not want set that back by swapping him out straight away.
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In all likelihood I think Klopp stays with Roberto Firmino for the left-sided attacking role. But if he wants to employ AOC there he may choose to go for Ben Woodburn on the right hand side. The young Welsh star came into the matchday squad at the last-minute after Lovren’s withdrawal on Saturday. He signed a new contract last week and is a key part of Liverpool’s future. I wouldn’t rule out seeing him on Wednesday.