Predicted Liverpool XI vs Stoke City: Klopp rings changes ahead of Dortmund return leg

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is expected to make changes to his starting line-up against Stoke City at Anfield on Sunday.

With one eye on his side’s progress in the Europa League after claiming a 1-1 draw in Germany against Dortmund last week, Klopp could rotate and keep some of his key players fresh.

While injuries and suspensions will force him into certain decisions, it is likely to be a much different line-up this weekend compared to what we have seen in recent weeks.

Simon Mignolet is expected to continue between the posts, with Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren likely to remain at the heart of the defence despite the temptation to include Martin Skrtel.

Jon Flanagan will likely start, but it remains to be seen on which flank as Klopp could choose to give either Nathaniel Clyne or Alberto Moreno a rest.

Expect one of those individuals to be left on the bench, while Joe Allen will come into the midfield with Emre Can suspended, Jordan Henderson out for the rest of the season and Lucas Leiva still struggling with a thigh injury.

He will be joined by James Milner, with Roberto Firmino, Jordon Ibe and Adam Lallana forming the trio behind the main striker, which we envisage will be Daniel Sturridge.

Divock Origi produced a tireless performance in midweek, and he could be handed a rest with a view of starting against Dortmund on Thursday as he hopes to add to his first-leg goal.

With their hopes of qualifying for Europe through the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely given results elsewhere, the Europa League could now take precedence for Klopp.

In turn, expect that to be reflected in his decisions for domestic games moving forward, with rotation key between now and the end of the season if they continue to make progress.

Liverpool - Football tactics and formations

More Stories Adam Lallana Daniel Sturridge Dejan Lovren James Milner joe allen Jon Flanagan Jordon Ibe Jurgen Klopp Mamadou Sakho nathaniel clyne Roberto Firmino simon mignolet