Liverpool line-ups for Crystal Palace as Darwin Nunez benched and Diogo Jota returns

Ian Doyle - Defence needs an overhaul

It’s nearly over, folks. Not long to go now for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as their manager.

There is still a Premier League title to be won, however, and Crystal Palace are the visitors to Anfield this afternoon.

What, then, is Klopp to do?

There’s still no change in goal with Caoimhin Kelleher, remaining ahead of Alisson Becker for now. But the rest of the defence needs an overhaul, with Andy Robertson coming in at left-back, Conor Bradley right-back and Jarell Quansah at centre-back alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk.

READ MORE: We simulated Liverpool vs Crystal Palace to get Premier League score prediction

READ MORE: Liverpool about to unleash biggest weapon in Premier League title battle with Man City and Arsenal

In midfield, Wataru Endo doesn’t look fit so Alexis Mac Allister can drop into the number six role. Dominik Szoboszlai can have a go on the left with Harvey Elliott in his best position to the right.

Up front, Cody Gakpo has to start and I’d have him down the middle, with Mohamed Salah right and Luis Diaz left.

My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Elliott, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Paul Gorst - Time to start Jota

Having returned to action after a two-month absence on Thursday night, the big question is whether Jurgen Klopp feels Diogo Jota is ready to contribute from the start this afternoon.

The noises around Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t sound as positive so I suspect the vice-captain will have another watching brief from the bench for much of this one. It would be great to see him get some much-needed minutes at some stage, however.

That means Conor Bradley returns with Andy Robertson also returning at left-back to offer the natural width and balance that Joe Gomez cannot, despite his own excellent season.

I’m giving Harvey Elliott the nod in midfield alongside Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister. The versatile 21-year-old was started on the right of the front three on Thursday but he deserves a chance to make an impact from the start on the right of the midfield trio.

Up top, Jota starts for me in place of Darwin Nunez with the Uruguay striker waiting in reserve if needed.

My team: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz

Theo Squires - Nunez benched

After a disappointing week, Liverpool are in desperate need of a convincing performance against Crystal Palace.

With Darwin Nunez suddenly looking less of a threat as he struggles for form, Cody Gakpo can keep his place upfront with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz returning either side of him.

In midfield, Wataru Endo is rested as he hasn't looked right since suffering a knock. Alexis Mac Allister drops deeper as a result.

Dominik Szoboszlai starts, with Ryan Gravenberch completing the trio as Curtis Jones continues to feel his way back after injury.

Ibrahima Konate stays at centre-back, with Comor Bradley and Andy Robertson returning on either flank. And Caoimhin Kelleher keeps his place with Alisson Becker having to wait another week to return.

My team (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.