Over the past two seasons, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hasn't changed his starting XI much and has only been forced to do so due to the impact of injuries on his team.
This has largely been down to having a thin squad and the players in those starting shirts producing consistent performances.
On the evidence of his team selections in the early stages of the 2021/2022 campaign, it looks as though more players will be used this season. Here are three men who could grab that opportunity and reward the confidence shown in them.
Naby Keita
It's hard to believe that this will be Naby Keita’s fourth season at Liverpool since moving from RP Leipzig where he impressed in Germany. Within the Premier League, he's only played 56 times in that period, which is far fewer than he would have expected when he first joined.
Keita is a quality player and if he finds his best form, he could easily be a welcome boost to Liverpool’s title chances. The 2019/20 champions are currently 5/1 in the football odds for the Premier League crown this season.
Liverpool have already established themselves as fan-favourites in the regular football betting tips owing to a fast start in the early stages of the Premier League campaign.
Undoubtedly, Keita has played his role to build confidence in the team as he played the opening game of the season against Norwich, while he also was in the starting XI for their 2-0 home success against Burnley.
There are hopes that the 26-year-old could fill the void left by Georginio Wijnaldum who joined PSG this summer: he knows Klopp’s system and has made an excellent start to the season.
Harvey Elliott
In 2019, Harvey Elliott made his debut in the Premier League. Two years on, he's now an integral part of Klopp’s squad.
It looks as though Klopp is through waiting on this winger: Elliott, who was on loan at Blackburn last season, has started the opening three games of the Premier League campaign, including in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield.
To trust the 18-year-old for a game of that magnitude says a lot about how much Klopp trusts him.
The Liverpool up-and-comer is going to continue to develop the more he plays. He's far from the finished article, but he'll be exciting to watch and is destined to produce moments of brilliance this season.
Kostas Tsimikas
Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas has taken full advantage of his opportunity in the team this season, impressing in the games he's played. He's proving to be great competition for Andrew Robertson in the left side of the defence.
The competition for places on the left side of the pitch should benefit both men. It will also help to alleviate some of the pressure from Robertson, who has had to play a lot of football over the last couple of years.
Tsimikas is in his second season at Anfield and this could be a breakthrough year for the Greece international. He hasn't put a foot wrong so far and doesn't look fazed by the pressure on his shoulders.
Keep an eye on all three men this season. They look set for more minutes and if Liverpool are to regain the title, they are likely to be a big part of that success.
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