Liverpool are still buzzing after getting that 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund and no one would blame Jurgen Klopp if he has one eye on the midweek tie. Amid the anticipation of qualifying for Europa League semi final, we could see Klopp rest some of his key players against Stoke this weekend.
Klopp would need Divock Origi, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho against Dortmund and they could get the rest this weekend. Klopp would have ideally liked Lucas Leiva and Christian Benteke to be fit for this one, but he will have to do without them and start with James Milner and Roberto Firmino instead.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Stoke
Defense: Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho are Liverpool’s first choice central defenders at the moment and they should be rested for the league game against Stoke this weekend. Klopp does not have too many full-back options so he could start with Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno, however, Jon Flanagan could make his way in to the starting XI.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for rest of the which sees Joe Allen make a rare start in our predicted Liverpool lineup vs Stoke. Emre Can may not play the full 90 minutes as Klopp could give few youngsters a chance in order to protect his key midfield player.
Attack: Roberto Firmino has just returned from his hamstring injury and Klopp would want to be sure of his fitness and will test it by starting him against Stoke. James Milner and Jordan Ibe would be the only options from wide areas with Coutinho and Lallana rested vs. Stoke.
Daniel Sturridge may have slipped in to being the second choice striker for Klopp but he will have to do a job this weekend as he will start against Stoke as the leader of Liverpool’s attack.
Image Credit: Getty, Lineupbuilder