Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai made up Liverpool’s midfield against Crystal Palace on Saturday, excluding the experimental three against Union Saint-Gilloise yesterday night.
But when they play United, a fresh face will be there, expert Paul Merson claims. Merson predicted yesterday in a piece for Sportskeeda that Curtis Jones will be the one asked to take over.
“I am targeting a 3-0 victory at home because I think Liverpool will absolutely destroy them,” the former England midfielder declares.
While there are a few midfield possibilities available to Jurgen Klopp, Alexis Mac Allister is a serious injury doubt. Harvey Elliott’s cameos have been impressive in Wataru Endo’s recent games, but I believe Curtis Jones understands the significance of this match, thus I anticipate him starting at Anfield.
Merson anticipates Jones’s comeback.
Jones was among those who began last night in Belgium and played the entire ninety minutes.
That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t play on Sunday, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see him return.
Against Union Saint-Gilloise, the 22-year-old appeared rusty. While he claimed credit for helping Jarell Quansah score, he was ultimately responsible for USG’s first goal and failed to capitalize on his opportunities to make an impression.
That being said, Klopp is still likely to start Jones against United. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the boss favor Curtis once more as he does appear to enjoy employing the Scouser in important games.
The England U21 international isn’t exactly playing well right now, though. In terms of statistics, he has now recorded assists in consecutive games. However, he doesn’t appear to be the same player we saw late in the previous campaign.
The fact that Klopp doesn’t now have many excellent options is perhaps something that works in Jones’ favor.
Szoboszlai is a perfect opener, and Gravenberch will most likely return as well. In defensive midfield, though, Jurgen must make a choice in the absence of Mac Allister.
It’s not an easy decision to make, considering Endo’s performance in the last two games. Perhaps Merson will prove to be correct after all.