No. 4: Philippe Coutinho’s return
The win against Arsenal was perhaps our best Premier League win of this season. And Philippe Coutinho was not even involved. That game was right in the middle of his time out with a back injury (*cough* hold out *cough*).
It was the big news on the eve of that game. Another Barcelona bid throwing off Liverpool;’s preparation in an attempt to unsettle Coutinho. We had to face the Gunners without our most talented player.
It didn’t matter. Roberto Firmino unlocked the space to feed Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. All three got on the score sheet and there was enough for go round for Daniel Sturridge to get one too.
That trio are all available on Friday. But now we can add Coutinho into the mix to play whatever system or formation that Klopp wants to draw up. The best thing about having the Brazilian for this game is that he is a player who can make something out of nothing.
There have been plenty or games where Liverpool have had slow or frustrating starts that have been unlocked by a piece of Coutinho magic. Any opportunity cutting onto his right from the left side is a danger. Ditto any free kick within shooting range.
We are going to be all guns blazing in London of Friday.