Liverpool expected to axe Roberto Firmino after Jurgen Klopp claim pre-Crystal Palace – pundit
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez will replace Roberto Firmino in the starting XI against Crystal Palace on Monday.
That is the view of ex-Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the selection dilemma facing Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.
Firmino struggled in the first half against Fulham on Saturday (6 August).
The Brazilian forward was replaced by Nunez shortly after the interval, the summer signing scored and grabbed an assist in a game-changing display.
Speaking to club media (6 August), Klopp heaped praise on Nunez after his league debut and suggested a lot more can be expected from the striker when the team plays well.
When asked by Football Insider if Nunez should start ahead of Firmino against Palace on Monday, Campbell said: “If he doesn’t there will be massive questions.
“Firmino didn’t have his best game but I don’t think Liverpool expected that kind of energy from Fulham.
“They got about Liverpool. Not many teams do that and cause them problems.
“It was the first game of the season. Everybody is getting into it.
“Fulham played excellently in the first half. They took the lead and deservedly do.
“Nunez made a difference in the second half. It helped them get a grip in the game. I thought Nunez made a real difference offensively.
“[Mohamed] Salah came into his own alongside him. Salah was not himself in the first half. The second half we saw him join in from wide.
“I like Nunez. He is a really good player. To score one and set one up, what more do you need?
“He is nailed on to start on Monday for me.”
In other news, a pundit has slammed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s teammate as Liverpool footage is analysed.