Jurgen Klopp admits it is 'difficult' to leave players on the bench
Liverpool continued their unbeaten run in the league on Saturday when they saw off Cardiff 4-1 at Anfield.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side face a tough test when they visit Arsenal on Saturday (5.30pm) and the German’s team selection could throw up a few surprises.
Andy Robertson starting on the bench was the biggest surprise of the afternoon against Cardiff as Alberto Moreno was handed his first start since April.
While Dejan Lovren also started alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence with Joe Gomez being forced to make way.
Our strongest back four this season has been Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson on the right and left with Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk in the middle.
John Aldridge
Xherdan Shaqiri is also pushing for a spot in the first XI after impressing in recent weeks and he netted his first goal for the club against Cardiff.
But he’ll have a tough time in displacing Liverpool’s front three - Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah - who are all guaranteed to start against the Gunners, according to Aldridge.
“Our strongest back four this season has been Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson on the right and left with Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk in the middle,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“Trent seems to give Liverpool a better balance, especially going forward and with Gomez in the middle.
Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp faces a tough team selection decision against Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool news: John Aldridge reckons the Reds' deadly attacking trio will definitely start (Image: GETTY)
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“The best pair in the middle is Gomez and van Dijk - it solidifies us defensively and then Trent is the outlet, so they would be my choices.
“I can't miss out Dejan Lovren because he's come in and been solid too, apart from a couple of lapses in concentration but it is testament to the defenders that Joel Matip can't even seem to get a proper look in at the moment.
“Klopp could go with the experience of James Milner or bring back Jordan Henderson in the midfield but you've of course got Georginio Wijnaldum and then Fabinho who's come in and done really well.