Liverpool: Mohamed Salah is in ‘good place’ says Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to change his defensive system for Sunday’s game against Premier League leaders Leicester City in order to combat free-scoring Jamie Vardy. Liverpool will be without several key defenders for the tie against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Klopp is set to name a makeshift defence on Sunday, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both missing out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is still nursing an injury and will miss another few weeks, while Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara will both face late fitness tests.
As a result, youngster Rhys Williams could be involved, as could fringe player Nat Phillips.
Klopp received an injury boost with news that Andy Robertson will be involved after a hamstring scare while on international duty.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tipped to implement new tactical system against Leicester (Image: GETTY)
The Scottish left-back complained of suffering muscle tightness and missed a clash with Slovakia last weekend.
But he played during the week against Israel, and is no longer considered a doubt for this weekend.
He could be the most senior member of the back four, meaning Klopp could adjust his tactics for the game.
Liverpool typically play an extremely high defensive line, utilising the offside trap.
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But Vardy’s pace will likely cause them problems this Sunday, and former Scotland player Don Hutchison believes they will sit a lot deeper as a result.
Speaking on ESPN FC, he said: “If you’re Jamie Vardy you’re thinking ‘who do I play off?’
“Matip is a very good player, but he’s not particularly quick.
“Nat Phillips is good in the air but he doesn’t have a turn of pace either.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tipped to implement new tactical system against Leicester (Image: REACH PLC)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tipped to implement new tactical system against Leicester (Image: GETTY)
“Unless Jurgen Klopp comes up with a different gameplan where we’ve seen Liverpool start the season really high up the pitch, but they might go the other way and go really deep, not allow any space for Jamie Vardy to get in behind.
“If he does, you can imagine him burning both centre-halves for pace for fun.
“He’s one of the quickest strikers in the Premier League, he’s red-hot, scoring goals for fun.
“This, I’d imagine, is going to be a different test for Jurgen Klopp and his game-plan.”