Klopp facing Minamino conundrum as Liverpool midfield offers selection poser

Liverpool's tried and trusted were the reason they landed a significant blow in the Premier League title race on Wednesday.

A Mohamed Salah penalty and an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain strike earned the Reds a 2-0 win at West Ham United.

It kept Liverpool unbeaten in the Premier League this season and opened up a 19-point lead at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp will now consider his options for a fifth game in a spell of six in 17 days.

And here we look ahead to the changes the Reds boss could make when his side are next in action at home to Southampton on Saturday.

Same again in defence?

Another clean sheet - and a fortnight off after the weekend - mean there is unlikely to be much change in the Liverpool backline.

Of course, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are now available should there be any issues at centre-back.

It was interesting Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted at the London Stadium, Jordan Henderson ending the game at right-back.

Andy Robertson also didn't have his best game.

But with James Milner still unlikely to be available, it seems the options to rotate the full-backs are limited.

Fabinho or not?

Fabinho has been edging his way back up to full speed since returning after more than six weeks out with an ankle problem.

The Brazilian was a lot better in a late cameo in midweek than in the FA Cup tie at Shrewsbury Town three days earlier.

Naby Keita also looked sharp in his own brief run-out from the bench, suggesting he's now capable of a start.

Adam Lallana may return if his illness has cleared up in time.

All of this, then, gives Klopp the chance to perhaps give one of Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum a well-earned rest.

The Minamino question

There's no Sadio Mane this weekend and, despite Klopp insistent there was no serious issue after the forward's substitution against West Ham, there might not be Divock Origi either.

Even so, doubts over Origi's fitness will give the Reds manager a significant call to make up top.

With Xherdan Shaqiri almost certainly not considered for a start even if back to full fitness, that opens up the opportunity for Takumi Minamino to make his first Premier League start.

A switch to a 4-2-3-1 could allow for greater flexibility from the players at Klopp's disposal.