Liverpool vs Everton: How Jurgen Klopp will keep the lineup fresh

After defeat to PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must refresh the team to take on Everton.

Klopp must use a degree of creativity in order to spark the squad back to form, as a bounce-back is necessary to keep pace in the Premier League.

The Reds have just been a touch off-kilter and slightly lackadaisical in the most recent matches versus tough opponents.

They did not create anything in a 0-0 draw against Manchester City in Anfield, they could not capitalize on a few high-quality chances leading to a draw at the Emirates, and completely disjointed efforts in Belgrade and at Parc des Princes have left them on the precipice of elimination from the Champions League.

That being said they still have gotten off to a sensational start to their domestic campaign, conceding a minimal amount of goals and tallying 33 of a possible 39 points.

The intensity must be present for Klopp’s men to secure three points and make the best of derby day at Anfield.

The XI must link up properly, in a way that is convincing. The dearth of seriously creative or even offensive midfield options, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, has befuddled Klopp all season.

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As productive as Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner have been in spots, they simply are not going to provide exactly what this squad requires of a midfielder.

Klopp will experiment, as he has thus far, changing both personnel and formations. The Reds have found a good deal of success in a 4-2-3-1, while at many points struggling in the typical 4-3-3, which was used with stunning success last season.

It also should be noted that generally when employing the 4-2-3-1, the quality of opponent has not been very high. Cardiff City, Fulham and Watford to name a few.

Klopp must be bold and attempt to use this formation against the teams of higher quality. Therefore, Everton are the perfect opponent. They are of a high enough quality to catch Liverpool off guard and draw, but at the same time, they just do not possess the ability to score at a high rate.

Klopp should utilize his best back four, where Trent Alexander-Arnold remains in the squad and Joe Gomez mans the centre-half position.

As what seems to have become the new norm, the midfield is once again the bewildering conundrum.

Without the services of Jordan Henderson, who received a red card against Watford, there must be a steady presence in the back end of the center of the formation.

While Fabinho is far from what one would describe as steady, he provides a solid presence when paired with Wijnaldum. He has been productive in this formation, while has struggling in the the 4-3-3.

The troubles of Roberto Firmino have been very evident to start this season off. His performance and a late goal against Watford may suggest his adaption to a deeper midfield role behind Mo Salah.

After a quite honestly turgid performance from Firmino in Paris, playing a more typical advanced role, he should be more productive and active as a center forward in the 4-2-3-1.

The other obvious inclusion into this squad would be Xherdan Shaqiri, who would be the third member of that advanced midfield line, along with Firmino and Sadio Mané, behind Salah.

No one can predict if this will unlock the true potential of the squad, however, this is the best option for them. They must find a way to relieve themselves of this uncharacteristic and frankly uninspired  brand of football.

If Liverpool are not up to it, Everton will be able to capitalize on these faults and work out a draw, which would be entirely undesriable.