Yahoo News Nunez dilemma, Endo question - Early Liverpool team news for Aston Villa
Liverpool are the final visitors to Villa Park in the 2023/24 campaign in what could be an emotionally-charged, potentially decisive meeting between the two clubs.
Depending on Tottenham Hotspur's result against Burnley, come Monday night Villa may have it in their own hands to seal a fourth-placed finish and Champions League qualification for next season. On the other hand Liverpool have already booked their place amongst Europe's elite but are now a little way off the title race, so could just be playing for pride in Jurgen Klopp's remaining time.
On the surface the Reds hold an advantage heading into clash - a luxury that not many are afforded at this time in the season. They have an eight-day gap between their last match and this next one, whereas Unai Emery must take his squad to Greece with full focus on overturning a Europa Conference League semi-final deficit on Thursday.
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However, all of this available time leaves Klopp and his staff with time to overthink their options. Does he stick with the winning formula that defeated Spurs 4-2 on Sunday, or is a shake-up in order?
As he bids farewell, the German has an opportunity to hand minutes to many of his fringe players. Caoimhin Kelleher has deputised in goal for the majority of the campaign, though now Alisson Becker is fully fit he has reclaimed his spot. Third choice Adrian has not played in over three years.
Similar can be said for Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back, who have retaken their regular starting spots as of late. Joe Gomez has been a preferred alternative on both flanks, however Conor Bradley - now fit again - and Kostas Tsimikas, who was left out at the weekend, could make returns.
Liverpool's central defensive department is perhaps their lightest at the current moment, as Ibrahima Konate has not featured since April's Merseyside derby defeat to Everton. 21-year-old Jarell Quansah has performed well in his absence alongside Virgil van Dijk, with other option Joel Matip out for the season.
In midfield, it would be a matter of rotation if Klopp were to make any changes. Sole outright defensive midfield option Wataru Endo has started five out of the last six matches but is expected to keep his place as Stefan Bajcetic is not ready to start after making his comeback at the weekend from 14 months plagued by injury.
The Reds then have a choice of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones for their other two midfield starting spots. Thiago Alcantara and 19-year-old Bobby Clark have been confirmed injured until after the season ends.
Finally in attack Klopp is hoping to be boosted by the return of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese goalscorer suffered a setback after netting against Fulham in mid-April and was touted for a two-week spell on the sidelines.
Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz were the preferred front three for Spurs, with Darwin Nunez making a late cameo. He has been benched in four of the last eight matches and his recent action deleting all social media posts related to the club has created panic amongst supporters.
