By arlington 
So this morning I cracked open the laptop before breakfast, coffee steaming next to the keyboard, determined to piece together the likely Liverpool lineup for this weekend’s clash against Bournemouth. Everyone keeps asking for predictions, right? Gotta deliver.
The Squad Check
First things first, hit up my usual spots – the reliable club feeds, those local journos who actually know their stuff, and dug through the press conference videos from Thursday. Needed to see who got crocked.
Man, Konaté. That one stung. Grabbed my phone, thumbed through the updates. Yep, confirmed. Muscle injury picked up in training. Klopp all gloomy in the presser saying he’s out. That’s the big one. Saw footage of Thiago too – not training with the main group. Him and Bajcetic still doing rehab work. Knew they were long shots, but hoped maybe… nope. No surprises there. Curtis Jones? Still sidelined. That midfield depth looking thin.
Checked Curtis Jones’ agent’s account (you know they sometimes hint at stuff), but radio silence. Figured he’s definitely out.
Piecing the Puzzle Together
Grabbed my notepad – actual pen and paper, feels more real – and started scribbling names. Defence practically picks itself now Konaté is out.
- Alisson between the sticks. Obviously.
- Trent at right back. Needs to watch Solanke!
- Van Dijk anchoring. Gotta be.
- Matip stepping in for Konaté. Praying he doesn’t get caught out of position.
- Robertson flying down the left, trying not to think about those Bournemouth counters.
Midfield. Okay, harder. Mac Allister is nailed on. Been bossing it lately. But who else? Endō looked knackered last game, but probably gets the nod. Flicked back to Thiago’s absence – sighs. Leaves Szoboszlai for that last spot. Kid’s got energy, but hope he clicks with Mac.
Forwards? Easy. Salah buzzing off the right cutting inside. Diaz causing mayhem on the left – Bournemouth full-backs won’t sleep tonight. Then Núñez down the middle. Praying his shooting boots are on. Maybe Gakpo sneaks in if Klopp tweaks formation?
The Final Calls
Scrunched up one page, started over. Bournemouth play that high-energy game, chase everything. Can’t afford passengers. Think Klopp trusts Endō for the dirty work over pushing Elliott in from the start. Szoboszlai’s got the legs. Front three picks itself right now.
Slammed my coffee mug down (lightly!). There it is. Feels about right. Bench looks thin though – Elliott, Gravenberch maybe, Gomez as cover everywhere. Feel like we’re missing that midfield spark off the bench without Jones or Thiago.
Daft hamstring injuries screwing everything up again. Right. Going with:
- Alisson
- Trent – Van Dijk – Matip – Robertson
- Szoboszlai – Endō – Mac Allister
- Salah – Núñez – Diaz
Just hope Matip remembers it’s not a friendly!
