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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp faces Fabinho decision as Liverpool ponder another formation change

Liverpool eased some of the pressure after their indifferent start to the season with a comfortable Champions League win over Rangers on Tuesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold netted an early free-kick and Mohamed Salah a second-half penalty as the Reds cruised to a 2-0 triumph at Anfield. Liverpool will now look to take their improving European form into Sunday's Premier League clash at early leaders Arsenal.

And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

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Defence steady

Despite some obvious setbacks, Liverpool's defence has been somewhat settled in recent games and while the schedule is starting to intensify ahead of the World Cup, it seems unlikely there will be too much overhaul for such a key match at the Emirates.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are established at centre-back, although Ibrahima Konate was back in the matchday squad in midweek for the first time since July and Joe Gomez emerged to play the final few minutes. Nat Phillips is another option.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to remain at right-back although summer signing Calvin Ramsay is now finally available, while Andy Robertson's ongoing injury absence means Kostas Tsimikas is ready to again deputise at left-back.

In goal, Alisson Becker is the undisputed number one ahead of the fit-again Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian.

Fabinho question

Klopp sprung a surprise against Rangers with an attack-minded change of formation to a 4-2-3-1 that saw Fabinho dropped to the bench.

The big call will be whether to persist with the system or revert to the usual 4-3-3 for extra security, which could see the Brazilian come back into the team alongside Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara. James Milner seems set for another substitute role, while Arthur Melo couldn't force his way on to the bench in midweek.

Diogo Jota played in the attacking midfield role and, if Liverpool do stick with the new look, there are other options in the position with Roberto Firmino and youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho all capable of slotting in.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain out while Curtis Jones has yet to resume full training after a leg injury.

Nunez or not?

Darwin Nunez was much improved on only his third start for Liverpool against Rangers, but whether he keeps his place may depend on whether Liverpool retain their new system.

Even so, both Firmino and Jota have impressive goalscoring records against Arsenal and will be pressing to lead the attack.

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah appear likely to retain their places on the left and right flanks respectively, although Jota can offer an alternative on either wing.

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