Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool want to be “unpredictable” with their formation ahead of Arsenal tie

Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp hopes to provide something tactically unpredictable against Arsenal

Speaking in the press conference ahead of the Premier League fixture against Arsenal this weekend, Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp says that Liverpool will want to be “unpredictable” in their approach against the Gunners this weekend.

After their 3-3 league draw against Brighton and Hove Albion, the Reds shifted from their trusted 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1 against Rangers midweek in the UEFA Champions League. The switch brought over some positive changes, resulting in the Reds winning 2-0 on the night.

Fabinho sat out for Diogo Jota, who played the attacking midfield role. Darwin Nunez was upfront with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz running in wide. Additionally, the movement of the players up front crafted several goalscoring opportunities.

Speaking about his choice of formations though, Klopp said that the ultimate aim with any tactic is to make sure that the club remains ‘unpredictable’ to the opposition. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

“For us it’s more important we become unpredictable again so we need different systems for that as well. 442…we can name different systems. We have to choose which one is the best for us against next opponent. We have to be more unpredictable.”

With Arsenal in top form, and especially their midfield trio of Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, Liverpool could falter with only two bodies in the centre of the pitch. Hence, the Reds could move back to their preferred, and probably defensively safer 4-3-3 formation with Fabinho playing the number 6 role. It is also something Klopp trusts, but also carries the risk that teams could have maybe figured out how to play against such a setup from the Reds.

Liverpool’s midfield off-late has raised some eyebrows with their off-beat performances, but the duo of Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson had a fantastic outing against Rangers, and Klopp could also trust the same formation. As he said, it is unpredictable to even guess what the Reds could do come the weekend.

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October particularly promises to be a tough month for the Reds, with Manchester City and West Ham in the league after this fixture against the Gunners. Hence, it is really crucial that Liverpool are on the right track before the tough spell of games.