Klopp’s flops in dire need of a fix but issues are hard to solve

All this week’s talking points and best bets

Liverpool’s hopes of winning a second Premier League title have long since faded, the Reds’ hopes of Champions League qualification from a top-four finish are diminishing fast and following defeat to Brighton on Sunday they have now been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.

The fall of the 2019-20 Premier League champions has been a rapid one and there has been no end of reasons nominated for the struggles of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

Injuries, a lack of investment, an ageing squad, the sale of Sadio Mane; the list is long.

Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Alisson all started for the Reds on Sunday while Darwin Nunez, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Joel Matip were on the bench.

It’s hard to believe that a squad with such talent isn’t capable of a better return than one win in six matches.

Klopp’s success at Anfield has been built on a high press, a high defensive line and high-tempo football. And while Liverpool have quality players in their squad, the physicality, durability and endurance that has been key to their success is missing.

The German has turned to youngsters Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic in midfield areas in order to increase the physical output of the Reds, but that weakens the Anfield outfit in terms of quality and a change of approach is required.

If Liverpool drop their defensive line and look to build at a slower pace through midfield before getting Salah, Gakpo and Nunez on the ball in the final third then they may enjoy more positive results than they are currently achieving.

Clearly, that wouldn’t fit with the Klopp way, but the German’s squad looks short of what’s needed to replicate their recent triumphs.

Perhaps in the short term at least, Liverpool need to find a new route to success.

Chelsea have been busy in the January transfer window and with new arrivals joined by players returning from injury the Blues look ready to start climbing the Premier League table.

Fulham got the better of Chelsea at Craven Cottage in the middle of January, but the Blues can avenge that defeat with a comfortable victory at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle have scored only five goals in their last six Premier League matches. They’ve failed to win three of those games and look vulnerable odds-on shots at home to West Ham.

The Irons can take some confidence from recent wins over Brentford and Everton and David Moyes’s men could surprise the Magpies.