I would actually rest Trent for Napoli and have him ready for Man City. While Clyne doesn't offer 50% of the attacking capabilities - hes a good defender which is key away from home in Europe. Trent has played a lot and had limited rest (including the summer - even if he on;y played 1 WC game).
good call, newt. last year MC targeted Trent big time. didn't work then but they may well try the same again. Clyne is a solid replacement.
Not a bad idea. Or could bring in Lovgren and let Gomez play Trent's spot. I like the idea of Lovgren a nd Virgil attacking corners away from home.
Thanks. (run it through Google translate folks). Not really anything groundbreaking - it will be a tough match.
If we could get a win and a draw from the next 2 a good argument could be made winning at Napoli would be the preferable result. A win and we are basically through if we beat Red Star at home leaving the last 3 games dead rubbers. Would free us up to rotate in CL with minimal risk down the road. I’d go strong as possible and in both and then have the boys play the niggle game with the international break. Schedule gets kind after that. City gets the extra day but they travel as well and need the win, so they won’t be rotating. Game is Sunday so recovery shouldn’t be a problem.
I think Klopp will make some changes for the Napoli game. Maybe 2 or 3. Sturridge, Shaquiri, Keita, and Fabinho are all in contention to start. I don’t think any of those players significantly weaken the team and it would allow others to rest ahead of City. Trent and Gomez may be handled with care and Virgil has his sore ribs, so it’s possible he could make a change at the back. If we beat Napoli we are basically through. We would be 5 points ahead of them and their next two games would be against PSG while we play Red Star. Then they would have to come to Anfield. This a big opportunity to crush Napoli’s hopes, but City on Sunday is the bigger game for us.
I can certainly see the City game taking precedence, but a draw in that game keeps us level so I’d happily take that today if we win in Napoli. The City game isn’t make or break at this stage. Regarding potential changes, Mane is the only one in the front 3 not to have missed a start, so possible Studge or Shaq come in for him. Midfield is much of a muchness so almost any combination can get the job done. Suspect Gini is the only nailed on starter. I absolutely wouldn’t be messing with the back 5 in any way.
Handing City a rare loss could be gold down the road though... Let's just win both and call it a week
I think the back 5 will be juggled fo rthis one. I think all three lines will change. Naby Keita will play. Although I'd prefer to see him play instead of one of the three next sunday. I'm guessing Sturridge starts with Firmino and one of Mane or Salah prediction we win 1-3
Rather take 3 points in CL, and draw City. Keeping near City, staying even, is more important than being just ahead of them in early October... whereas beating Napoli away could almost mean topping the group, which would be utterly huge.
When do we play citeh? Seriously, guys, what happened to the age old maxim "only worry about the one game in front of you?" Play to beat Napoli. Who is our best XI to do that? Then we'll worry about the citeh match.
when you put it lik ethat - i change my opinion (which i obviously hadn't thought very deeply about beyond the instant gratification factor
There is no denying the importance of the City game. If this was the knockout phase of the Champions League it would be a different story. It’s the group stage and we are already in a fantastic position to go through. We can get a result against Napoli even with a weakened team. When selecting the team for this game you have to have City in mind.