Liverpool take on Slavia Prague in their Europa League knockout tie and with the clash being at Anfield, even a mounting injury crisis shouldn't be enough to see them slip up in this first-leg affair. Jurgen Klopp is likely to be without Mohammed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones in the starting lineup, leaving a lot of chances for players to impress.
So, Klopp will be very keen to get his team back on track at home by going full strength.
Liverpool predicted lineup analysis
Goalkeeper and defenders:
Caoimhin Kelleher
Despite long being the number two at Anfield, Caoimhin Kelleher had been the one between the sticks in European games for Liverpool this season. So, even if Alisson wasn't injured, the Republic of Ireland international would have likely starred this Thursday.
However, Alisson's injury will certainly see Kelleher starting at Anfield for the ninth time this season. It's already five clean sheets in 18 appearances for Kelleher, including a huge one in the Carabao Cup final so the big stages certainly don't scare him and Liverpool can certainly argue they have the best number two in the Premier League
Connor Bradley
Much like Kelleher, Connor Bradley wouldn't likely be near the first-team picture on a regular basis if it wasn't for the number of injuries Klopp's having to deal with. Trent Alexander-Arnold is out with yet another muscular injury, but the Reds have hardly missed him due to Bradley's ability on the ball.
The youngster already has six goal involvements to his name this season after just 14 games, however, he's yet to step up in the Europa League. So, taking on Slavia Prague, at Anfield and no real competition behind him should see Bradley thrive going forward.
Bradley to score or assist in the Europa League for the first time can be found at (7/4)
Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk has been a revelation since he joined the Reds and they look a significantly worse outfit when he's not in the heart of the defence. The Dutch defender is not just a fantastic reader of the game and tackler but also someone who triggers a lot of attacks.
The former Celtic man has completed the second most passes into the final third within the Liverpool squad – only behind Alexander-Arnold – so he's one of the first names on every single team sheet in the league.
Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah was handed his Europa League debut this season in a 2-0 home win, and with the likes of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate not being available to play in the heart of defence, Quansah is forming a solid partnership with Van Dijk this campaign.
Quansah has started all but two Europa League matches this season and with Slavia Prague unlikely to test Liverpool in any sort of extreme way, it's likely Klopp will be the faith with his young defender. He is likely to partner Quansah with Van Dijk for the first time in Europe to afford him some experience.
Kostas Tsimikas
After only being afforded six minutes off the bench last weekend against Nottingham Forest, it's likely Klopp will turn to the Greek international and not put too much pressure on Andy Robertson, especially when someone of Kostas Tsimikas' ability is waiting in the wings.
Tsimikas has never been the first choice left back at Liverpool, but whenever called upon he's proven himself to be a very reliable deputy behind Robertson. Tsimikas will be ready to allow Robertson a night of rest while also not allowing Liverpool's very high standards to drop.
Midfielders:
Wataru Endo
Initially seen by many as a stop-gap signing in the summer, Wataru Endo is now one of the most crucial players in Klopp's system. The Japanese international has only started 11 league games this season for Liverpool but in those rare games, he's already managed to make 26 tackles.
Endo was another player not tasked with starting the game against Forest on the weekend, so this will certainly increase his chance of starting against Slavia Prague. Klopp would like to get the first leg won and bring his first-choice players off with one eye on the Manchester City game this Sunday.
As Liverpool's combative midfielder, Endo is always on the cusp of getting booked, and you can find this particular market with odds of 7/2.
James McConnell
Liverpool's 19-year-old sensation has been handed just 191 minutes across all first-team competitions this season but with a huge Premier League tie on the weekend, Klopp is likely going to rotate heavily on Thursday.
McConnell has only played 16 minutes in the Europa League this season but after impressing as one of the young players thrust into the spotlight during the club's Carabao Cup final, Klopp could hand him his first European start.
Bobby Clark
Bobby Clark has very quickly risen to the forefront of many people's minds within the Liverpool fanbase after starring in the Carabao Cup final victory. The son of ex-Newcastle United star Lee Clark, Bobby is starting to make a name for himself under Klopp.
Clark has featured in Liverpool's last four games and looks to already be up to speed with the Premier League, while also allowing Klopp to rest some of his more senior players.
Attackers:
Cody Gakpo
Despite only being 24 years of age, Gakpo looks set to be the most experienced of Liverpool's three attackers on Thursday evening. Gakpo has failed to impress and nail down a regular starting spot since moving to Anfield with only 16 goal involvements across 38 games this season.
The Dutch international doesn't seem to have a consistent position either, being forced out wide and through the middle since he signed, which is perhaps why his form has been inconsistent and underperforming his XG of 6.0 backs up this theory.
Gakpo has found relative success in the Europa League with two goals and two assists. So, backing him to score or assist can be found with generous odds of (10/11)
Lewis Koumas
Lewis Koumas has only featured in one first-team game this season, but he certainly made the most of that sole opportunity by scoring in the FA Cup.
It could be a huge gamble by Klopp to start someone so inexperienced and young in a crucial first leg, but Klopp has faith in his young stars.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott will be hoping to kick on during this most recent injury crisis at Liverpool, knowing there are a lot of players ready to take his spot when they return back. The England youngster has just three goals all season which will be a disappointment.
Elliott knows that playing in the Europa League is going to be his usual way into the first team so performing well and ensuring the Reds stay in the competition will be a priority for the attacker.
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