It has been a damaging first couple of months of the new Premier League season for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side. The reigning Premier League champions have already seen a number of their key players ruled out for long stretches of the season through injury, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez among the players that will be missing for months.
The latest injuries that have been picked up have had a damaging impact on Liverpool’s chances to win the Premier League title, and that is echoed in the JackpotCity online casino odds for the outright winners this season. But, could the number of injuries picked up by the Reds so far mean that Klopp is about to change from his beloved 4-3-3 formation?
What Other Formations Could Klopp Use?
Klopp has made a career out of operating with a 4-3-3 formation, as he has put extra emphasis on the attacking output from his sides. However, this Liverpool side have already been weak defensively this season, and the latest couple of injuries that have been picked up by the team will certainly mean that Klopp may have to look into changing the system to ensure that they don’t concede as many goals this season.
When thinking about Liverpool changing their formation, the one aspect that must be taken into account is the forward players. Klopp will not want to drop any of his front three, as that will be taking away the main strength of this Liverpool side. One formation that he could opt for is 3-4-3, which would see Liverpool have a steadier defence. Andrew Robertson could be inserted into the back three, which would be a position that he has been used to playing in the past for Hull City and Scotland.
Undoubtedly that will take something away from Liverpool in the attacking third, but they will still have an output on the wing on the right-hand side, as Trent Alexander-Arnold will be able to play further up the pitch. Playing a back three will also ensure that whichever young defender the Reds bring in will have experienced players alongside him for the extended run in the team.
Could Klopp Stick With Preferred System?
Liverpool have become one of the most dangerous teams in world football by operating with the 4-3-3 system, which means that Klopp could just trust one of the younger players to fill the positions left by the injuries to van Dijk and Gomez. Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams will both be hoping for the chance to shine in the position, with Phillips having already played in the Premier League this season.
The 23-year-old made his first Premier League start against West Ham United, and impressed against the Hammers. It’s likely that the central defender will be given the chance after that impressive performance and could be given his second start after the international break. Fabinho will likely drop back into the defence when he returns from injury, which means that the issue at central defence isn’t as severe as it could have been, but Klopp may yet look to utilise the January transfer window to bring in a new central defender.
