Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are among the players Liverpool could look to rest on Saturday.
Liverpool’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday left Jurgen Klopp with something of a dilemma heading into Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.
At 5-0, the Reds could consider the tie all but over and turn their focus to a full-strength Premier League display against Stoke before travelling to Italy.
But Roma’s two away goals mean there is still work to do at the Stadio Olimpico, with some men likely to be rested at home to Stoke.
Liverpool still need a result, though, with Klopp required to pick a side that can edge closer to Champions League qualification for next season…
Loris Karius is unlikely to be rested as the continuity will work in his favour, but there will be changes in the defence.
Resting Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are all possibilities, with Ragnar Klaven, Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno ready to step in.
Liverpool’s real problems are in the midfield, where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s season-ending injury leaves them well short. Ben Woodburn could be in for a first league appearance of the season ahead of James Milner.
Up front, where Roberto Firmino was rested at West Bromwich Albion last week, it is surely Mohamed Salah’s turn to take a step out of the spotlight, with the Golden Boot surely secured.
Here is how we expect Liverpool to line up:
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