Klopp in Irons dark and grappling with problems

By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings 

The central talking point  this week has been  whether or not Michail Antonio will be fit enough to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

So far David Moyes has managed to keep a lid on leaks concerning Antonio’s fitness – although there is a photograph circulating today purporting to show Michail back on the training ground.

But is this just smoke and mirrors from Moyes? It may be staged to keep his opposite number Jurgen Klopp guessing in the build up to the game?

Much – some might say too much – has been made of the Reds injury problems at the back. Virgil van Dijk’s absence is undoubeably a big blow to the champions, and Fabinho, who deputised in midweek for the big fella, limped off with a hamstring problem himself.

So Klopp has a decision to make on who he drafts in to fill the void this weekend. It might help the Liverpool manager in his choice of replacement if he knew how West Ham will line-up.

Antonio is a completely different striker to possible replacement Sebastien Haller. Michial is all about pace, power and mobility. Haller is a big man, equally strong but arguably better in the air than Antonio. So does Klopp opt for added pace in his replacement – or choose added height for more of an aerial battle?

If Haller does start, will Moyes stick with what has been a favoured five at the back system, or opt for a more conventional 4-4-2 giving Seb someone to play alongside him?

Of course we shouldn’t rule out the possibility that Moyes could turn to Andrily Yarmolenko to lead the line orr shuffle the pack by bringing in new signing Said Benrahma.

David Moyes no doubt already knows which options are open to him – and which he intends to choose. But he’s doing his level best to make sure Jurgen Klopp remains in the dark for as long as possible.

Keeping his opposite number guess. Does anyone blame him? I certainly don’t!