Jurgen Klopp has loads of academy options as Liverpool gear up to finish the job vs Sparta Praha
The fact that Liverpool have secured a substantial lead in the aggregate score over Sparta Praha in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, the Reds might field more fringe options than usual to manage minutes and ensure squad freshness as we head into crucial junctures in other competitions.
Alexis Mac Allister [9′ (P)], Darwin Nunez (25′, 45+3′), Luis Diaz (53′) and Dominik Szoboszlai (90+4′) scored Liverpool’s goals as they brushed aside the Czech side 5-1 in the first leg. With some players back from their injury spells in team training as well, the Reds might have a bigger roster than what they did against Manchester City to choose from.
Don’t be surprised to Adrian start as well. However, considering the fine run of form Kelleher is in, it is highly unlikely that the management will take such a risk. Having said that, let’s look at TKT’s Predicted XI for the upcoming Europa League clash against Sparta Praha.
Can Go Easy!
A break from the start for the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. There’s no need to nuke a sparrow, and that is why, we turn to our bench options to put in a shift against the Prague-based side. All of Kostas Tsimikas, Bobby Clark, Cody Gakpo and Jayden Danns have shown us that they can more than put up a punch when the team needs them to.
The most important part of any predicted XI, when Cody Gakpo is in the picture, is where to start him. His best days at his previous club, PSV Eindhoven, came as a left-winger and that is where he should exclusively play for the Reds as well to ensure the best possible output. His tendency to cut in from the left, onto his right and finish is something we have seen a lot of at Liverpool, albeit from other wingers, and hopefully, it is time for him to take over the baton.
Bobby Clark only recently made his first start for Liverpool in the FA Cup clash against Southampton and his recent performances surely warrant another start for the player. Harvey Elliott is Harvey Elliott and surely needs no advocacy. The way he runs his socks off in every game shows how much he is willing to do for the badge. Proper team player. The likes of James McConnell and Trey Nyoni also make a case for a start, let’s see.
Jayden Danns also has been good alongside Lewis Koumas, but assuming only one of them starts, it has to be Danns. Koumas can come on later as a substitute, but if one of them has to start, one would say Danns after his brace against the Saints.
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We have a real chance of completing the lot for Jurgen Klopp in case we win this competition. Will be a grand sendoff, that. Up the Reds!
