Home News Liverpool likely to make 11 changes vs. Toulouse as left-back vacancy filled

Liverpool likely to make 11 changes vs. Toulouse as left-back vacancy filled

35
0

Liverpool are out to keep up a strong start to their Europa League campaign when they host Toulouse on Thursday evening.

Jurgen Klopp has rotated heavily in this competition en route to two wins from two, and more of the same can be expected for this latest outing.

In goal, the fit-again Caoimhin Kelleher will surely take his place after missing out against Union St Gilloise earlier this month due to injury.

Ahead of the Irishman, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are in line for much-needed minutes at right-back and centre-back respectively to keep them sharp.

But the other side of the defence is likely to be laced with inexperience, starting with Jarell Quansah returning for a deserved start after previous impressive outings.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 27, 2023: Liverpool's Luke Chambers during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Of course, with Andy Robertson injured and Kostas Tsimikas now taking on the role of first-choice left-back, a space has opened up on the other side of Quansah.

And, though Calum Scanlon took a place on the bench for the Merseyside derby on Saturday, Luke Chambers looks likely to leapfrog him into the starting XI for this game after proving his fitness for the U21s.

In midfield, Curtis Jones‘ ongoing Premier League suspension makes him a no-brainer for this one, and the same goes for Wataru Endo amid his struggle for regular game time.

Harvey Elliott is also more than worthy of a start after yet another impressive cameo off the bench in victory over Everton on Saturday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 30, 2023: Liverpool's Darwin Nunez gestures to the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Up top, if Ben Doak is fit after a recent muscle injury, then fans and Jurgen Klopp alike would no doubt love to see him given another opportunity to shine.

Cody Gakpo is also in need of playing time as he works his way back from a knee injury suffered in that controversial defeat to Tottenham, though he might have to make do with a place on the left wing.

And that is because the in-form Darwin Nunez needs a start up top in order to get an hour into his legs – and potentially grab a confidence-boosting goal in preparation for Sunday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Chambers; Elliott, Endo, Jones; Doak, Nunez, Gakpo