Paul Merson has noted in his Sportskeeda column that Roberto Firmino should play with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane over Diogo Jota in Liverpool’s attack against Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp welcomes Graham Potter and the Seagulls to Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League. Brighton won 1-0 in their previous top-flight visit to Merseyside in February, ending the Reds’ seven-game unbeaten streak since 2017.
The Amex Stadium natives will arrive in Liverpool this weekend without a win in their last four league games. Yet remain fifth in the standings, albeit seven-points behind Chelsea and six-points behind the Reds, who are yet to lose.
Liverpool won in commanding fashion last time out in the top-flight with a 5-0 demolition of Manchester United. Marking back-to-back games with five goals without conceding after thrashing Watford coming out of the international break.
Klopp favoured Firmino in a central role over Jota at Old Trafford after netting a hat-trick at Vicarage Road. But still started Liverpool’s £41m signing from Wolves last year, with Mane only on the bench. Jota repaid the Germain’s call with a goal and an assist from the wing.
Merson picks Firmino over Jota vs Brighton
Jota has started seven of Liverpool’s nine Premier League fixtures this season, but Merson would bench the Portuguese against Brighton. That’s because he would select Firmino in the centre once again and recall Mane to the left-flank to join Salah.
“Klopp is spoilt for choice with his front three this season, and his forward line always seems outstanding irrespective of his team selection,” Merson wrote. “While both Jota and Firmino are great options to have, I’d personally go with Firmino alongside Salah and Mane this weekend.
“Brighton play an expansive game and they do leave spaces down the channel for their opponents to exploit. I honestly can’t see Liverpool losing this game at the moment, and I’m going to go with another victory for Klopp’s men.”
Who should Klopp start for Liverpool on Saturday?
Jota had not featured in any of Liverpool’s league fixtures this season on the wing before facing Manchester United. The £90k-a-week forward now has four goals and an assist in eight appearances after his output at Old Trafford.
Firmino, meanwhile, also has four goals and an assist after seven top-flight appearances in Liverpool’s attack this term. But the £180k-a-week false-nine has only started three of his outings and was heavily involved in the action last week. His link-up play proving crucial in the build-up to the Reds’ first and fourth goals at Old Trafford, in particular.
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