How Klopp got his groove back.
Since the New Year’s Eve win over Manchester City, Liverpool have endured a pretty ‘meh’ 2017.
A frustrating draw away to Sunderland, a very frustrating FA Cup draw at home to Plymouth, a League Cup loss to Southampton, an irritating 1-1 draw with Manchester United and a schedule-clogging trip to Plymouth for a replay.
Jurgen Klopp has seen his team drop to third in the table, seven points behind leaders Chelsea. He could use a win, one that comes wrapped in a big white bow.
He needs the lunchtime visit of Swansea, who have one win in seven, which came at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace when new manager Paul Clement felt compelled to leave his seat in the stand and take his place in the dugout ahead of schedule.
Alas, the former Real Madrid coach has not yet managed to stem the tide of goals conceded that washed away Bob Bradley. The Swans have conceded six in two since that win at Selhurst Park and you fear for what may happen after Klopp named this team.
Confirmed #LFC squad for today's meeting with @SwansOfficial at Anfield #LIVSWA pic.twitter.com/cVJvABU4OE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 21, 2017
The Brazilian double act of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are teaming up again after the former’s injury, while the confusion of Joel Matip’s eligibility may be at an end, but Klopp keeps him in reserve.
Sadio Mané is at the African Cup of Nations but, aside from that, this is pretty much the XI that finished 2016 as the Liverpool team with the best start ever to a Premier League season in the club’s history.
Here's how we'll line up against @LFC today… 👥🔢#LIVSWA pic.twitter.com/6EoEaJHR0R
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 21, 2017
These lads may have a long afternoon.
