Opinion: Jurgen Klopp has midfield headache ahead of crunch EPL clash; predicted XI – Read Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a selection dilemma ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham at Anfield. 
Only a matter of weeks ago the German was delighted to announce that the current crop was the ‘strongest squad’ since arriving on Merseyside. 
Fast forward to now and the midfield has been somewhat decimated with issues once more. 
Speaking ahead of the visit of the top-four chasing Hammers, Klopp admitted both Curtis Jones and Naby Keita were doubts, whilst Thiago remains sidelined. 
Thiago, Firmino, Keita, Jones, Matip – Jurgen Klopp has the latest injury and illness updates across the #LFC squad 🔴🤕 pic.twitter.com/nh1c4khJbh
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) March 5, 2022

That leaves Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the likely contenders to make up a midfield trio. 
Numerically and quality-wise those options are fruitful, but naturally none of which would feature on the left-hand side. 
Here’s how we think Liverpool will lineup…
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Harvey Elliott, Jordan Henderson; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota. 
Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Takumi Minamino, Kostas Tsimikas, Divock Origi, Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sadio Mane. 
Despite calls for a possible formation change – similar to one we saw to finish the match against Norwich City recently – there is little need to throw everything up in the air just yet. 
Instead, Klopp should turn to his captain to play in an unfamiliar role on the left-hand side of a three and provide all of the usual drive, leadership and quality. 
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