Do you trust Sturridge for 90 minutes.... I'm not sure I do, he has great value as a 20 minute substitute but I'd be terrified to see him in the starting line up.
Doubts over Milner, Keita, Mane and Salah. I think Mane will make it considering it's a thumb injury. Lallana has been back in training for a month so would't be surprised to see him get a start considering the injuries in midfield. Maybe something like this.
I'm pretty sure one of Mane or Salah won't play, but one will start IMO. Milner is apparently fit but I wouldn't rush him unnecessarily. I'd like to see Fabinho get a start too. I'd go for:
Alisson
TAA Gomez VVD/Lovren Robo
Henderson Fabinho
Shaqiri
Salah/Mane Sturridge Firmino
Get the job done first half, then replace Salah/Mane/Firmino with Gini second half. If all goes well, Lallana should get 15-20 minutes too.
No doubt see a few changes in what is a very important game and a vital 3 points. 2 very winnable fixtures in the League to extend the run and potentially open up a small lead at the top.
Being so close to Klopp they will be hoping Wagner gives them something to hurt us with but quite frankly their can't have been more one sided games on paper in PL history.
We could afford to rotate a little bit if needs be. Some minor injuries to the Likes of Keita (hamstring) , Mane (finger in plaster) , VVD ( 2 broken ribs) and also Salah.
No harm throwing Shaqiri in there, Matip in defence or Sturridge for 30 mins.
No Excuse though for not picking up three points here. .
Weird line-up if you ask me. Not going to comment on Lallana starting but for the last time, Gomez isn't a RB. He was excelent at CB, the pairing of him and VVD might be the best in the league. If Lovren has to play a game or two then rest Gomez or VVD, and play with an actual right back!
We have Trent who was rightfully benched against City but should continue playing. If we don't feel like playing him, then we have Clyne and even Fabinho who are dying to get some playing time.
Firmino and Mane are our best front 3 players in terms of defensive work so means might be a bit easier for their back 4 with the ball. But we should dominate the ball so hopefully not a major issue. Great to see Lallana back. He's been training for a month now so should be in decent nick and can hopefully help with our attacking play and press in the opposition half.
Interesting line up to say the least - it's the usual- "If it works he's a genius" scenario
If I'm not mistaken this is the first time Studge and Shaq are starting a competitive game together...? At least in the PL I think.
Given how they seemed to gel in pre-season I'm looking forward to seeing how they fare today. Both have a rather large point to prove to the Manager and top players tend to grasp the opportunity when it arises...