Photoby John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Former Red John Barnes expects Roberto Firmino to come back into
the starting eleven against City on Sunday.
Having started mid-week in the Champions
League against Atalanta and scoring a hat-trick makes Diogo
Jota the man in form for Liverpool, more so even than wide stars Sadio Mané or
Mohamed Salah and more than the man he started
in place of, Roberto Firmino.
For some, that makes him a lock to start on Sunday against
Manchester City, but form won’t be the only thing on
manager Jürgen Klopp’s mind according to former Red John Barnes,
who believes Firmino will come back into the starting eleven to
face City on the weekend.
“Jota scored a hat-trick, but that doesn’t mean he automatically
goes into the team against Man City,” Barnes said in an appearance
on TalkSport earlier this week. “I think who plays depends on what
the games are and who they’re against and how that team plays.
“Where you’re not going to have as much possession, maybe
Firmino will be a better bet. You need a player like Bobby Firmino
to not only get hold of the ball but also do defensive work. If
you’re playing against Atalanta or Leeds, then you can see Jota
coming in.”
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It’s also possible that based on fitness and the tactical
particulars Klopp has in mind, Jota could remain in the eleven in
place of Salah or Mané. Though regardless of the manager’s decision
on Sunday, Barnes is certain there will be plenty of chances for
all this season.
With Liverpool likely to play close to 60 games if they make it
deep in Europe and the FA Cup and the
season compressed due to coronavirus, the dual pressures of
schedule and tactical fit will likely lead to more rotation then in
the past—and in fact, it already has.
“I think Klopp will chop and change this season,” he added. “I
don’t think it’s a reflection on who he feels is better, it’s more
about who they are playing against. The good thing about it is Jota
can now come into the team and take over from any of the players up
front.”