Liverpool's starting lineup against Crystal Palace today has produced two surprise inclusions: that of returning first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Academy graduate Jarell Quansah.
The return of Alisson Becker to the starting XI comes as a significant boost for Liverpool. Alisson, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in the clash against Manchester City on 25 November, had missed three games for the Reds: the 4-0 home win against LASK in the Europa League, the thrilling 4-3 comeback win against Fulham, and Wednesday's 2-0 win at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United.
While his deputy Caoimhin Kelleher kept two clean sheets in these games, the Irishman came under some scrutiny for two of the goals he conceded against Fulham. The 25-year-old returns to the bench for today's Premier League match at Selhurst Park.
Problems at centre-back
The other surprise in Jurgen Klopp's starting team is Jarell Quansah. The 20-year-old slots into the heart of Liverpool's defence alongside Virgil van Dijk, replacing Ibrahima Konate, who put up some impressive numbers against Sheffield United.
The Frenchman is still returning from injury, and with Joel Matip seemingly out for the season with a knee injury, Konate's minutes must be managed ahead of a packed Christmas schedule.
Likewise, Joe Gomez sits this one out and is replaced by Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
In midfield, the injured Alexis Mac Allister has been replaced by Ryan Gravenberch, while Darwin Nunez returns to the starting eleven, taking the place of Cody Gakpo.
With a win at Selhurst Park this afternoon, the Reds can go to the top of the Premier League table - temporarily, at least.
Liverpool XI vs Crystal Palace: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez.
Substitutes: Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, James McConnell, Conor Bradley.