Liverpool v Brighton predicted team: Mane out and surprise selection in defence

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Liverpool vs Brighton predicted team Jordan Henderson Mohamed Salah

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with team mate Jordan Henderason of Liverpool after scoring their first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool FC at American Express Community Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum

Fabinho has been ruled out this game through suspension, but the ankle blow he suffered on Wednesday would has ruled him out until January anyway. In many situations, it came at a good time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain offered Liverpool a different dynamic when he was introduced for Gomez during the second half of the Napoli game and changed the fixture completely. After impressing against Genk and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, Premier League appearances had been rare but that should change.

Oxlade-Chamberlain offers something no one else in the squad can, and Jordan Henderson’s attacking instincts will have to be shelved in this new midfield trio. Henderson can drop down into the deep lying role, where his passion and leadership can be utilized to break up Brighton attacks. He won’t be as good as Fabinho, but few in the world could be.

Georginio Wijnaldum is a trusted Klopp player and will continue alongside Henderson and Oxlade-Chamberlain. He’ll probably be asked to sit a little deeper and play as part of a double pivot with the skipper while the Ox is allowed to roam free and further forward.

Adam Lallana is a theoretical option and played against Aston Villa, but his inclusion seems unlikely.

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