22 Oct 2016

Confirmed Liverpool XI: 'Brilliant' attacker returns; cruel snub as Klopp dumps 'outstanding' £30m star

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dropped Daniel Sturridge for today's Premier League clash with West Brom.

FULL TEAM: Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Henderson, Can, Lallana, Coutinho, Mane, Firmino

SUBS: Mignolet, Moreno, Klavan, Lucas, Wijnaldum, Sturridge, Origi

WEST BROM: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Nyom; Phillips, Yacob, Fletcher (c), McClean; Chadli; Rondon

SUBS: Myhill; Galloway, Morrison, Gardner, Brunt, Leko, Robson-Kanu

* After struggling against Man United, £30m-rated Sturridge's omission is understandable, but if Klopp intended to drop Sturridge today he shouldn't have praised Sturridge to high heaven just a day before the game.

* On Friday, Klopp hailed Sturridge as 'outstanding' and 'unbelievable'; waxed lyrical about his goalscoring ability, and specifically absolved him from blame for failing to score in the Premier League this season. 24-hours later, Sturridge is dropped to bench.

* In my view, Klopp's comments smack of rank insincerity. Why give Sturridge false hope if the intention is to drop him?

* Wijnaldum makes the bench, which means Emre Can keeps his place. Hopefully, he'll put in a more assured performance day without the shakiness evident against Man United.

* 'Brilliant' attacker Lallana also returns to the starting line-up, and based on the personnel, it looks like he'll continue in midfield.

Probable formation:

------------ Mignolet
Clyne ---- Matip - Lovren ---- Milner
----- Can ---- Hendo --- Lallana
Mane ------- Firmino --- Coutinho


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