Liverpool’s frontline has remained largely unchanged in recent times. However, the upcoming Atalanta match presents an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to introduce changes by reintroducing Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota.
Despite having few injuries, Liverpool’s pursuit of glory in the Europa League and Premier League seems jeopardized. Surprisingly, their worst run of form coincides with the return of several key players, after relying on younger and less experienced squad members for results in previous months.
Jurgen Klopp’s immediate focus is on devising a strategy to overturn the 3-0 deficit suffered against Atalanta. While Liverpool famously overcame a similar scoreline against Barcelona in 2019, this time the challenge is tougher, especially away from home against a less star-studded Atalanta side.
A pivotal decision for Klopp revolves around the composition of his attacking trio, with all five senior forwards available. Despite recent lineups featuring Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Diaz, it might be prudent to include Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota in the starting lineup for the crucial match in Italy.
The return of the Portuguese forward in the last two matches has injected energy into both the team and the supporters, despite his inability to find the net. Despite limited playing time, Jota managed to create two significant scoring opportunities, showcasing his sharp instincts and movement.
In his comeback game, Jota was presented with a prime chance by Gakpo, marking the first collaboration between the two players in creating such a scoring opportunity.
Gakpo, though not in top form previously, has notably contributed to five significant chances in the season, three of which came in the recent games, indicating a potential resurgence when Liverpool needs it the most.
The partnership of Gakpo and Jota in the frontline has been rare, with only 10 previous instances of them starting together. However, with Salah likely to join them in the upcoming game, there have been seven instances of them playing alongside each other. Notably, in these instances, they have been productive, with only one game where none of them scored.
Their most notable performance together occurred at Elland Road, where they combined effectively in a 6-1 victory, showcasing their potential to thrive in attacking situations.
Klopp may consider their partnership advantageous, especially against teams like Atalanta, known for their similar style of play to Leeds.
While fielding all four senior forwards simultaneously may be unlikely, Klopp’s decision not to experiment with such a setup against Palace raised eyebrows, especially considering its success in erasing a deficit in a previous game against Molineux.
They later seized the lead against Everton by fielding four forwards and managed to equalize against Luton and Manchester City under similar circumstances.
A notable instance occurred during the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, where Gakpo and Nunez entered the field alongside Diaz and Jota, with the substitutes combining for the decisive goal.
To replicate this strategy against Atalanta, Liverpool must first secure a couple of goals. Considering the formidable form of Gakpo and Jota, alongside the expected inclusion of Salah, it appears Klopp will opt for this attacking trio in this crucial match.
Klopp boasts an array of forward options that would make almost any club in world football envious. Achieving the right balance in the attack will be crucial if the Reds aim to replicate another famous European comeback this week. Given Nunez’s recent wasteful form, Gakpo and Jota should earn starting spots in the XI against Atalanta.
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