Jurgen Klopp set to unleash Darwin Nunez and give Liverpool audition to midfield duo

Liverpool will look to bounce back from their heartbreaking last-minute loss to Tottenham Hotspur when they return to Europa League action next week.

The Reds, who had Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota both sent off and a Luis Diaz goal incorrectly ruled out against Spurs, welcome Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to Anfield on Thursday. And having rotated his side heavily between Premier League and cup competitions over the last two weeks, Jurgen Klopp is expected to name a much-changed side once again.

With Cody Gakpo an injury doubt after being forced off against Tottenham with a knee injury, and being spotted after the final whistle in a brace, we take a look at the changes Klopp could make…

Having made his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute against Tottenham, Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to start at right-back against Union. And with further defensive changes expected, he’s likely to captain the Reds too.

Ibrahima Konate comes in at centre-back in place of skipper Virgil van Dijk, while Jarell Quansah could again get the nod alongside the Frenchman. Kostas Tsimikas is set to again deputise for Andy Robertson

Curtis keeps place

With the October international break looming, Jones won’t be eligible for any Premier League football in October as he serves a three-game ban following his red card against Spurs.

As a result, the midfielder should keep his place against Union, with the Europa League his only source of game-time for the next month.

His absence in the Premier League will open the door for one of Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to start away at Brighton on Sunday. Whichever one is in line for such a promotion can instead be limited to Europa League substitute duty in the interim.

Darwin Nunez restored

An unused substitute against Tottenham, though he was set to be introduced before Jota’s red card, Darwin Nunez returns to the starting XI against Union in place of the injured Gakpo.

With the Portuguese serving a one-game ban against Brighton, he could keep his place against the Belgians. Meanwhile, Ben Doak will be hopeful of another Anfield start if Klopp opts to rest Mohamed Salah

Possible Liverpool starring XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Konate, Tsimikas; Elliott, Gravenberch, Jones; Doak, Nunez, Jota.