Predicted Liverpool’s starting XI vs Union Saint-Gilloise

Liverpool will travel to Belgium on Thursday knowing that the result against Union Saint-Gilloise means nothing.

Manchester United are confident of topping Group E after their progress to the last 16 of the Europa League was confirmed with a draw.

While Belgium look more likely to be relegated to the Europa Conference League as they need another result to achieve their goals and important results, it is not quite the same story for their opponents who need a win to secured second place. Change the difference to stay competitive.

For Jurgen Klopp, this game is a valuable opportunity to rest his most important players before Sunday’s big game against Manchester United (h). It would be a big surprise if Belgium’s regular starters are under threat from the start as injuries continue to pile up as we go deeper into the festive fixture schedule.

What will happen to Liverpool’s massive substitute game against Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday night?

GOALKEEPER & DEFENCE

Alisson Becker’s return from injury against Crystal Palace last weekend proved the difference between the teams. The Brazilian will play in the match and Caoimhin Kellher is set to resume his duties as Klopp’s Cup defender.

Before that, Jarell Quanza should start despite missing a penalty at Palace. The 20-year-old has played in all five European matches so far.

There could be places left and right for other Academy stars Luke Chambers and Conor Bradley. Joe Gomez is likely to be a senior player who can gain defensive experience, while Ibrahima Konate is expected to start against United this weekend.

Young left-back Calum Scanlon is also a player who could be included in the Reds’ Europa League squad when the season starts.

MIDFIELD

With Alexis McAllister out for the next two weeks, his replacement, Wataru Endo, is unlikely to feature despite featuring in five Europa League games so far.

Instead, 19-year-old James McConnell could get his first big start in Klopp’s midfield after making brief appearances against Toulouse and Brentford earlier this season.

Long-term injuries to Thiago and   Stefan Bajcetic will limit the manager’s ability to rotate centrally, but Curtis Jones and anti-Palestinian hero Harvey Elliott should be brought in to round out England’s midfield.

Germany youth international Melkamu Frauendorf – who has already made two senior caps for Liverpool – could be another young player who could be included in the matchday squad, as is 18-year-old Bobby Clarke.

Attack

With Mohamed Salah closing in on 200 goals here, Scottish talent Ben Doak will be given another opportunity to impress on the right side of the front line.

Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunes are also likely to miss this weekend’s game, but Klopp is vulnerable in terms of attacking depth with Diogo Lotta injured. Cade Gordon (19) was able to play for the first time since February 2022 after a long absence due to a rare hip ailment.

Cody Gakpo looks to be the favorite in Klopp’s senior forward line given his preference for Nunes in the big games, but neither should feature for United in midweek. Luis Koumas (18), who has been impressive with the national under-21s this season, also got a chance to play.

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI TO FACE FULHAM:

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Chambers; Jones, McConell, Elliott, Doak, Gakpo, Gordon.