Should Liverpool give Danny Ward a chance against Manchester City?

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With neither Loris Karius or Simon Mignolet impressing, should Liverpool start Danny Ward against Manchester City this weekend?

Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool.

There were some raised eyebrows among football pundits and fans alike ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League game against Arsenal with the news that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet would not be included in the match day squad.

As the Independent reported at the time, manager Jurgen Klopp cited the fact that Mignolet needed a “rest” for his exclusion, having also played against Hoffenheim in a Champions League qualifier the Wednesday prior. Many simply read this as being dropped.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, dropped for the game, arrives ahead of the English Premier League football match against Arsenal.

So with Danny Ward on the bench, Mignolet watched from the stands at Anfield as Loris Karius enjoyed a quiet afternoon between the posts as the Reds tore the Gunners apart in a 4-0 victory.

Speculation started to emerge that the Belgium international would be sold before the transfer window closed – something which, if considered, did not materialise in the end – as his form and role at the club is continued to be questioned.

(L-R) Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, defender Ragnar Klavan and goalkeeper Danny Ward attend a team training session.

Not that Karius did much to suggest he had emerged as the number one choice in goal, as despite not having a single shot to save against Arsene Wenger’s men the German was twice caught in possession by Danny Welbeck – with his blushes saved each time by the ball not falling kindly for the forward.

So question marks remain over both Mignolet and Karius ahead of a bumper season of fixtures for Klopp’s side with them being back in the Champions League. Which begs the question – should Ward be given a shot?

After all, after an impressive year on loan in a promotion winning campaign for Huddersfield Town in 2016/17, David Wagner revealed that his friend Klopp had said no to loaning the ‘keeper back to the Terriers for their first term in the English top flight since 1972.

With Adam Bodgan already on the books surely there was a bigger plan for Ward than occasional bench-warmer? The Merseysiders travel to Manchester City this weekend and while starting the Wales international would be a big call, the 24-year-old surely deserves the chance.