Liverpool's curious defence and other talking points as they travel to Sevilla

Carl Markham 21:31 20/11/2017
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  • Liverpool travel to Seville knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a match to spare.

    Here’s a look at some of the issues surrounding the game.

    IS THERE A STURRIDGE SOLUTION?

    Reports have emerged again that striker Daniel Sturridge is unhappy with the amount of pitch time he is getting and is looking for a January move to bolster his World Cup chances with England.

    The 28-year-old is probably the fittest he has been since the season he and Luis Suarez tore defences to shreds in 2013/14 but he is still second choice behind Roberto Firmino, who is not even a recognised centre-forward.

    He represents an effective option off the bench, which appears manager Jurgen Klopp’s preferred tactic, but could see some increased action in the busy period leading up to the new year.

    How that goes may determine Sturridge’s thinking when the transfer window opens but Klopp will not countenance a departure with the possibility of an FA Cup run and involvement in the Champions League knockout stages in 2018.

    In the short-term Sturridge is unlikely to get his wish for more game time in Seville – even with the weekend visit of Chelsea looming on the horizon.

    Daniel Sturridge

    Not first choice: Daniel Sturridge

    WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO LIVERPOOL’S DODGY DEFENCE?

    Saturday’s clean sheet against Southampton was the Reds’ fifth in six Premier League matches at home, where they have conceded just one goal.

    Since leaking four against Tottenham at Wembley Klopp’s side have let in just one in four matches, including back-to-back European shut-outs against minnows Maribor.

    Injury to Joel Matip means Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan are set to start as the centre-back pairing and they are likely to be tested more by their Spanish opponents than anyone since Spurs at Wembley.

    Defence not an issue?

    Defence: Ready to be tested

    HOW MUCH ROTATION CAN KLOPP AFFORD?

    Top-four rivals Chelsea are the visitors to Anfield for a late Saturday kick-off but the Reds boss will be focused on his first objective which is to secure Champions League qualification with a win against Sevilla.

    For that reason he is likely to keep changes to a minimum. Loris Karius will start in goal and Joe Gomez is expected to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, in keeping with Klopp’s policy of rotating his youngsters and goalkeeper for European games, but otherwise there will only be minor tweaks.

    James Milner and Emre Can, both substitutes at the weekend, could both come into midfield, although it is more likely they will be vying for just one spot, while the front three of Mohamed Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane picks itself.

    Midfielder Adam Lallana, who has not started a competitive match this season because of a thigh injury, could be on the bench to be given a run out if circumstances allow to ease him back into things ahead of Chelsea.

    Could feature for Liverpool: Emre Can

    Could feature for Liverpool: Emre Can

    PAIN IN SPAIN?

    Liverpool have lost 1-0 on each of their last three visits to Spain, most recently against Villarreal in their 2016 Europa League semi-final first leg.

    The 3-0 win in the return game is the Reds’ solitary victory in their last six matches against LaLiga clubs.

    Overall their record on Spanish soil is better than in home legs, however, winning seven and drawing four of 16 fixtures.

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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