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A shy Liverpool, scoreless in their last three Premier League games, has a problem.
Jurgen Klopp is all too aware of this.
It’s been seven league halves since Liverpool last found the back of the net, the longest streak since 2000, when Gerard Houllier’s men finished 11 goalless.
Sunday’s last white, at home against Manchester United, means the Reds have now played three top-level appearances without signing up for the first time in the spring of 2005.
“We face Burnley on Thursday and they aren’t known to have conceded a lot of goals,” the Reds boss said of his upcoming test.
In truth, the fixture list could have been a little nicer with Liverpool as they set out in search of an invention.
Instead, the harsh reality of the Premier League will see them attempt to smash one of the division’s most stubborn defensive forms on Thursday night.
So how does Klopp go about unleashing some creativity?
Failure to do so could see their Premier League title disappear further.
If that sounds dramatic now, it may not be after both Manchester clubs play on Wednesday night.
The Champions could find themselves six points behind by the time Sean Dyche’s men enter Merseyside.
Perhaps this is a game for the specific qualities of Nat Phillips?
The 23-year-old isn’t known for his mobility, but if Burnley’s long-drawn-out tactics are to be used then a center-back may be the best option against an aerial bombardment.
Importantly, it could also offer Klopp the chance to bring Fabinho back to his natural place at the base of a three-way midfielder.
With Klopp confirming that Joel Matip is likely to be in contention again, he could form a rarely seen center-back partnership in the heart of Liverpool’s defense with Phillips.
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It might just have a positive impact on the other end of the pitch if captain Jordan Henderson is also named in midfield along with Fabinho.
It was telling that two-thirds of what many would recognize as Liverpool’s best midfielder were forced to operate from behind for the campaign’s biggest game against United.
Both players were excellent but will surely want to be deployed to their rightful positions as soon as possible.
Matip’s return, paired with Phillips’ skills, could ease that burden for now.
Elsewhere in midfield, Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara vie for callbacks after their respective performances against United.
Thiago, who was making his Anfield debut almost four months after signing, was a cut above the midfielder’s battlefield.
His incisive and extensive passing reach was, at times, a joy to watch against the Red Devils.
He could be in line for a second straight start as he continues to gain momentum.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are also available for Klopp if he decides to shuffle the pack, but Naby Keita is almost certain to be left out.
Xherdan Shaqiri was a surprise inclusion against United as he made his first Premier League start in 13 months.
The Swiss international’s place in the squad was a clear indication from Klopp that he knew an injection of creativity was needed.
It still does, but will he have a fresh start against the Clarets on Thursday night?
At the top, Klopp is likely to keep the faith with Roberto Firmino in the No.9 role, despite his leave against United.
Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are available but Klopp should keep Firmino in the middle of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
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