Time to start his best players

Liverpool will host West Brom at Anfield in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Jurgen Klopp’s side will be desperate to avoid a Merseyside derby hangover. While Wayne Rooney’s penalty provided the big talking point, Klopp’s team selection attracted criticism. Whatever about giving Emre Can and Roberto Firmino a rest, the German’s decision to leave Philippe Coutinho on the bench was staggering.

The 25-year-old had scored five goals in his last two games in all competitions. Klopp’s desire to rotate his squad and keep key players fresh is a good thing. However, when a player of such talent is in irrepressible form, Klopp should be more flexible.

Liverpool were building momentum ahead of the visit of Everton with five wins and one draw. Klopp needs to go with his big four – Coutinho, Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah – for the visit of West Brom to restore the feel-good factor at Anfield to ensure their derby setback was nothing more than a momentary blip.

Lovren needs to go

Dejan Lovren continued his role as Liverpool’s scapegoat with another defensive lapse in the Merseyside derby. The Croatia international gave referee Craig Pawson a decision to make when he made contract, however slight, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the penalty area. Unsurprisingly, Twitter erupted upon Lovren’s latest blunder.

The emotions ranged from anger to pleasure at the Croatian’s latest defensive lapse. The 28-year-old claimed that he was in the best form of his Liverpool career ahead of the derby, but this season has been a disaster for Lovren. His lack of confidence continues to cost Liverpool goals and points.

Joel Matip’s thigh problems limits Klopp’s ability to drop Lovren given Ragnar Klavan is a far from convincing alternative. It would be great to see Joe Gomez start at centre-halve like he did for the visit of Spartak Moscow last week. But once Matip returns to full fitness and the January transfer window opens, Klopp needs to act. A new centre-half is vital if Liverpool are going to finish in the top four.

Stick with Robertson

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Everton felt like a loss given the nature of Everton’s equaliser. Watching Wayne Rooney wheel away in celebration after a controversial penalty was a galling sight.

However, Andy Robertson provided one positive for Reds. The Scotland international was one of Klopp’s best players in the derby. He provided an option down the left wing and helped to expose Rooney’s reluctance to track back in the first half.

Alberto Moreno’s injury should provide Robertson with the chance to have a sustained run at left-back following his £8m move from Hull in the summer. Let’s hope Klopp doesn’t decide to revert to James Milner at left-back for the visit of West Brom. Robertson needs games to fully adjust to Liverpool’s style.