Liverpool take on Crystal Palace in their first home game of the year on Saturday as they look to build momentum at the top of the table.
The Reds earned a 1-0 at Brighton last weekend, ensuring they keep Manchester City at arm's length with a four point gap.
Questions remain at right-back
Image: Getty Images
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with numerous knocks to his squad over the festive period, as attested by the likes of Ki-Jana Hoever and Rafa Camacho being drafted in to a back-line at Wolves earlier this month.
There was more bad news earlier this week as Trent Alexander-Arnold was reported to be out of action for up to a month with a knee injury, having initially gone down in the warm-up before the win at Brighton.
However, the youngster is in contention to face Crystal Palace, according to the Reds boss. Meanwhile, midfielder Gini Wijnaldum could also make a return.
“Gini and Trent, we will decide day by day. It's of course not cool, Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“The exceptional part of that story is that they both played 90 minutes [at Brighton]. The whole world saw what happened to Trent – what a boy, unbelievable. We played the game and afterwards we got the information that he had [an injury].
“Nothing happened during the game, it was all stable and good. It was just what happened before the game; adrenaline is obviously an interesting thing. It gives you the opportunity to do a bit more than you would expect. We will see.
“For both, it will be really, really close for tomorrow. I don't want to close any doors before anybody tells me I have to.”
Respected journalist Neil Jones of Goal later claimed that despite Klopp insisting Alexander-Arnold could be in contention, he will not feature on Saturday.
Nope. That's what Klopp said. But Trent won't play tomorrow.
The Reds boss has had to field Fabinho in central defence of late, however Joel Matip is set to make a return against Palace. Klopp confirming: “Joel trained completely normally for around about 10 days, which is good.”
Meanwhile, the game comes too early for Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez, both of whom are set to miss out. Lovren could feature against Leicester City at the end of the month, however.
With goalkeeper Alisson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson all certain to start, the only question remains is who plays at right-back, should Alexander-Arnold be deemed to be unfit.
James Milner is an extremely likely option, with Klopp utilising him in that position last month. He could also shift Fabinho to right-back, although the Brazilian may be a good option in midfield.
Keita to regain place in midfield?
Image: Getty Images via Liverpool FC
With Milner likely to feature at right-back, it leaves Klopp with the option of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho and possibly Wijnaldum in midfield.
Another late inclusion could be Adam Lallana, who the boss said "should be in contention" after a recent muscle injury.
“Adam trained yesterday and the day before yesterday, so he should be in contention. We have to see, Klopp said.
“I'll wait for the session today, how he reacted to the two – not too tough – sessions, but we did a little bit. We have to see [about] that.”
However, the England international is only likely to make the substitutes bench, should he be fit.
Fabinho has made a strong case in recent weeks to start at the base of Liverpool's midfield, and he is likely to be joined by skipper Henderson in the centre.
It's likely that the last spot in the side comes down to Keita or Shaqiri.
Shaqiri started away to Brighton, whilst Keita was on the substitutes bench after a fairly tame performance against Wolves in the FA Cup.
The Swiss international is likely to start alongside Fabinho and Henderson; a midfield three that appears to have the right balance.
Business as usual up top
LFC News | Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
There's no question about this. It'll be the same trusted trio that faced them at Selhurst Park in August.
Mohamed Salah should lead the line for Liverpool, with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in support of the Egyptian.
Salah has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions, leading the Premier League goalscoring charts with Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Mane wrapped up the game with an injury time goal in the Reds' 2-0 win earlier this campaign and he will be looking for his ninth league goal of the season against Roy Hodgson's side.
Predicted Lineup
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool: Alisson, Milner, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Shaqiri, Mane, Firmino, Salah.
