Jurgen Klopp had to field some difficult question in the aftermath of his side’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, with the German’s decision to withdraw Philippe Coutinho with around 30 minutes to play and switch to a back three coinciding with the Cherries’ equalising goal.
The dropped points may not be catastrophic in the Reds’ top four hunt given Manchester City and Manchester United both missed out on wins, but there’s not doubt it was an opportunity missed by the Merseysiders, who fought back from 1-0 down only to throw away the victory with just minutes to play.
However, Klopp shouldn’t be dissuaded from using a 3-4-2-1 set-up once again vs. Stoke, especially with injuries having robbed him of key players such as Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane. Here is the XI, using the above set-up, he could field at the Potters’ bet365 Stadium…
GK – Simon Mignolet
Whether or not Mignolet will remain a Liverpool player past this summer is still open to debate, but the Belgian is undoubtedly the No.1 for Klopp between now and the end of the season. The former Sunderland stopper has been much improved since replacing Loris Karius during the winter, but his tendency to dally on the ball and wayward distribution can cause panic.
CB – Dejan Lovren
Liverpool switched to a back three for the closing stages of the draw at home to Bournemouth and even though the Cherries equalising goal came during this period, Klopp should not be deterred. Lovren can often look susceptible in a two-man rearguard, so the added cover of two partners may well allow him to play in the front-foot style he does at his best.
CB – Joel Matip
A back problem saw the Cameroonian dropped to the bench vs. Bournemouth, but he came on in the second-half and having not shown any signs of injury he will be back in from the start at Stoke, where his composure on the ball will be vital against a team like Stoke, who will look to seize on any mistakes from the Reds and use the atmosphere at the bet365 Stadium to their advantage. The ex-Schalke man is also a giant at 6ft. 5”, which could be vital if Peter Crouch is utilised by the Potters.
CB – Ragnar Klavan
The Estonian was, arguably, at fault for King’s equaliser at Anfield as he got too tight to the Bournemouth attacker and was rolled easily, but with support around him he has proven himself to be a solid defender.
RWB – Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne showed glimpses of his attacking qualities vs. Bournemouth, with his right-footed shot at goal just after half time a matter of inches from flying into the Cherries’ net. The England international has the energy and pace to be an effective right-sided wing-back and could be liberated by a reduction in his defensive requirements.
CM – Emre Can
From his career being a crossroads a few months ago, Can looks to be one of Liverpool’s most vital players, with a run of game time having brought back the form he showed at the back end of 2015/16. The German may be a bit slow on the turn, but he’s one of very few leaders in this Reds team with his combative nature a big contributing factor to the recent Merseyside Derby win.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
From villain to hero, Wijnaldum showed real bravery vs. Bournemouth. His horror back pass played Benik Afobe in for the Cherries’ opener at Anfield, but he continued to show for the ball at every opportunity and put in a delightful cross for Divock Origi’s headed goal. The Dutchman knits Liverpool’s play together and is quietly one of Klopp’s most vital players.
LWB – James Milner
Not a natural on the left flank, Milner may not offer the pace and dynamism of a normal wing back, but he looked solid enough in the role for the closing stages of the Bournemouth game. His penalty prowess is also handy to have, with the veteran having jetted every one of his spot-kicks this season.
RAM – Roberto Firmino
One of the major benefits of a wing-back system for Liverpool is that Firmino can be kept more central. The Brazilian is most effective when he’s not having to cover a wing position, with his eye for a pass around the edge of the area on show vs. Bournemouth when he played in Philippe Coutinho to prod home.
LAM – Philippe Coutinho
The player Liverpool are set to look to for inspiration with Mane out, Coutinho has looked revived since his international trip with Brazil, netting two in as many games and showing glimpses of the sort of form that’s earned him the ‘Little Magician’ moniker.
ST – Divock Origi
Despite his limited game time this season, Origi has notched ten goals this season and, even though there are weaknesses in his game, he’s as close to a proper No.9 as Liverpool have. His back post header vs. Bournemouth illustrated the different option he offers the Reds and with results now key he could be the difference between Champions League and Europa League football in 2017/18.
