Liverpool lineup vs Leipzig: Fabinho ruled out, Thiago back

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

The best Liverpool right-back has said the team need to start converting their good possession into points, but it’s his job to do that and Alexander-Arnold will need to step up his game for this vital Champions League match.

With no competition for his place in the side, and no Anfield crowd roaring him on, it’s perhaps not surprising that Alexander-Arnold’s levels have dropped a little bit.

More from Rush The Kop

• Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
• Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
• Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
• Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
• Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures

However, we rely on the right-back’s attacking threat to penetrate sides. Without Jordan Henderson to screen his advances on the right, it’s natural that Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been at his best.

CB – Ozan Kabak

It wasn’t a perfect debut for the Turkish international. Kabak struggled against Leicester, but he’s one of the only choices available to Klopp – especially with Fabinho out.

After signing Kabak on loan, the manager needs to give him games in order to get the borrowed Schalke man up to speed. Using the Champions League for that purpose could be considered a bit of a gamble, but honestly what other choice does the manager have?

In theory, Rhys Williams could start, but he’s even further behind his development curve than Kabak. Plus, the Turk has some experience playing against Leipzig from his Bundesliga days.

CB – Jordan Henderson

Henderson has been one of the better centre-backs in the last few weeks and will have to continue playing in that position until Fabinho gets back or Ben Davies is trusted by Klopp.

His leadership is invaluable and he’ll do his best to lift the rest of the team to new levels, or at least the levels required to beat Leipzig.

LB – Andy Robertson

We haven’t seen much of Kostas Tsimikas this season and that will continue for Leipzig. Andy Robertson might need a rest but Tsimikas can’t be up to speed – he’s barely featured in the Premier League and can’t be match fit.

Is Klopp just biding his time with the Greek international and waiting for him to get fully used to how Liverpool play? Either way, Robbo starts.