That used to be an easy decision. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane was once the most feared in the land, yet Klopp now has options thanks to the emergence of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. It’s a dilemma the German will be enjoying.
Some Liverpool fans believe Salah, who’s been one their best players since his arrival in June 2017, should be the one to make way. The Egyptian has scored just five league goals since contract talks between his representatives and the Reds stalled in December.
Salah looked particularly off the pace during Liverpool’s 3-1 Champions League win against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday evening. He struggled to make an impression against a questionable defence and spurned some great opportunities.
Diaz, meanwhile, assisted the Reds’ second goal – with the help of a sensational ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold – and scored their third. Jota is also enjoying a purple patch, scoring in Liverpool’s last two Premier League games against Arsenal and Watford.
Despite this, it’s hard to ignore Salah’s overall record in the Premier League this season. The former Chelsea ace has scored 20 goals – six more than anyone else – and has provided 10 assists. Only his team-mate Alexander-Arnold has produced more (11).
Salah also has a fine record against City. He’s found the back of the net seven times in 12 outings for Liverpool, with five of those goals coming in the Premier League. Salah has also provided three assists against the Manchester club – just for good measure.
When it comes to the team’s performance, however, Salah’s record isn’t as impressive. Liverpool have won just four games against City with Salah in the team, drawing three and losing five. That said, not many teams have a good record against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Salah’s poor run of form has also coincided with two painful defeats at international level. Mane’s Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final in February and then repeated the trick in last month’s World Cup qualifying play-off.
“Every player in that situation wants to score and it’s clear Mo wants to score as well,” said Klopp on Tuesday. “It’s a tough period, the boys came back from Africa, that’s really not easy. Massive pressure. They need some time to settle, everything will be fine.”
Whatever decision Klopp makes on Sunday, it won’t be taken lightly. Liverpool have a chance of becoming the first team in history to win the quadruple. They’ve already won the EFL Cup and still have a chance of lifting both the Champions League and FA Cup.
Yet the Reds can’t achieve that feat if they don’t win the Premier League. They’re currently one point behind City and defeat at the Etihad – with seven games remaining – would put them in an extremely difficult position. If picked, Salah must deliver at the Etihad.
