Liverpool have done very well to defend their Premier League title till now as the Reds have managed to stay top of the league. But Klopp has slowly got his players back to full fitness after a torrid time with injuries for almost a couple of months. Thiago Alcantara’s return to normal training will be great news for the Reds’ supporters who have been longing to see him.
The Reds of Liverpool have managed things very well and its credit must go to the brilliance of Jurgen Klopp. The likes of Rhys Williams and Fabinho have stepped up very well with defensive problems for Liverpool. Thus it will be interesting to see how Klopp sets his team up as Liverpool host West Brom in the Premier League.
Let us now have a look at how Klopp might his Liverpool side up against Sam Allardyce’s West Brom who will be eager to impress their new boss.
THE 4-3-3
The strongest and the best possible lineup available at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal with all the injuries he has got to deal with since the start of the season. Thiago is still not ready to be in contention to play against West Brom in the weekend and still needs more time to recover. This also means that Jordan Henderson will again be chosen as the one who will anchor the midfield.
The likes of Keita and Wijnaldum will be the ones who will be likely to accompany Henderson in the midfield. The back four will look better with Joel Matip with it as he is more experienced and assured than Rhys Williams. The front three for the Reds will be very predictable as Diogo Jota is injured and will be out for quite a few more weeks.
Liverpool will be expected to win handsomely against West Brom but who knows what big Sam might have in his locker. West Brom will surely be set on a very defensive setup with pacy strikers used on counter-attacks. Henderson and Wijnaldum will have to be wary of such attacks and protect the Liverpool defence.
THE 4-2-3-1
The only other system Klopp has used at Liverpool is the 4-2-3-1 and it might be a really good option against West Brom, who will be set to counter. Takumi Minamino did very well against Crystal Palace and also scored which might give Klopp something to think about. The forward has failed to cement his place at Liverpool but might get another chance to prove his worth.
Such a system gives Robertson and Alexander-Arnold a lot of freedom to work into in the final third of the pitch with the midfield double pivot. Wijnaldum and Henderson have played well together and have protected the centre-backs with their relentless running off the ball. Firmino will dictate the play in such a system and it is a role that he thrives in because of his versatility.
It will be expected from Liverpool to thrash West Brom with the difference in the league positions between both the sides, but who knows what’s in store for the title defenders.
