Liverpool line-ups as Thiago starts and Darwin Nunez…

Liverpool line-ups as Thiago starts and Darwin Nunez decision made for Ajax

Thiago can help answer the big midfield questions

Paul Gorst: So Liverpool's slow climb off the canvas begins tonight at home to Ajax.

It is a re-run of the December 2020 fixture when the Dutch giants last visited Anfield, but given that was played behind closed doors, tonight's game feels like much more of an event in-keeping with the respective traditions of these two historic clubs.

The big question for Jurgen Klopp, though, centres around what he does in his midfield. With Thiago Alcantara now back - and the fact that their next game is October 1 against Brighton - I'm recalling the Spain international alongside Fabinho and while Harvey Elliott has enjoyed a good campaign to date, I'm bringing in James Milner for a bit more stability and physicality in the centre of the park. The veteran has not been in sparkling form, it must be stressed, but that midfield trio offers bags of experience and seniority, traits which are much-needed right now just to steady the ship.

At the back, Joel Matip returns at centre-half alongside Virgil van Dijk. A steady run of full fitness for the former can help alleviate some of the issues that are troubling Klopp at present. Kostas Tsimikas deputises for the injured Andy Robertson on the left.

Up top, Darwin Nunez has to start down the middle. Roberto Firmino has been decent of late - one of the few who has - but the £64m striker needs to be given the chance to try and justify the faith in him. Nunez starts with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz either side of him.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago, Milner; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Nunez starts with Jota alongside him in attack

Ian Doyle: Plenty for Jurgen Klopp to ponder after the horror show in Naples last week.

And with Liverpool seemingly never going to play again in the Premier League, it's all about Ajax in the Champions League this evening.

What, then, is the Reds boss to do? Changes, that's what. And lots of them.

Not in goal, though. Alisson Becker stays there. At centre-back, Joel Matip can come in to partner Virgil van Dijk, while the crocked Andy Robertson is replaced by Kostas Tsimikas at left-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold asked to continue at right-back almost certainly with a rocket up his backside.

Midfield sees Thiago Alcantara return. Fabinho continues, but that third spot is a tricky one. I'd say go with Harvey Elliott still to see what he can do after a bit of a struggle at Napoli.

Up top, Mohamed Salah continues on the right, but it's time for a switch elsewhere with Darwin Nunez down the centre and Diogo Jota on the left.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Elliott, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Jota.

Klopp can unleash temporary plan while working on 'reinvention'

Sean Bradbury: Will tonight be the first glimpse of Liverpool's 'reinvention' that Jurgen Klopp believes is needed? Yes and no.

The manager remains hampered by several stars still being on the sidelines. But it is clear some degree of change will be needed to shore his side up and add extra attacking impetus.

I've advocated 4-2-3-1 over the last few weeks and still think it could be an effective temporary measure as a platform for a refresh, giving Klopp and his staff more time over the upcoming break to really work on ideas.

Tonight I'd rest Trent Alexander-Arnold, bringing Joe Gomez in at right-back. Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Kostas Tsimkas would complete the defence.

Thiago and Fabinho can form a solid duo in front of the backline, with Roberto Firmino playing ahead of them. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are on the flanks - plus Darwin Nunez up top.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho,Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Diaz; Nunez.

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