Saturday 7 April 2018 12:55, UK
Phil Thompson has warned Jurgen Klopp not to field a weakened team in the Merseyside derby against a "fired up" Everton side on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Klopp paid the price for making significant changes for the reverse fixture, benching Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho as the Toffees held out for a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
With the Reds 10 points clear of Chelsea and facing a quick turnaround for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City, Thommo fears further changes will be made.
However, he insists fans will be desperate for the club to prioritise the Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am, and maintain momentum.
Thommo told Sky Sports: "Mohamed Salah won't be risked and Sadio Mane picked up quite a knock so you'd think there will be changes, but I'd hope Klopp will still go as strong as he can.
"We've got to be ready to compete. Tuesday has to come second otherwise we will get turned over. Everton will be up for this. I don't think they won one tackle against Manchester City last weekend but you can bet your bottom dollar they will be fired up for it.
"I can see Klopp making changes but as a fan, I want to see the strongest side possible. Everton will see this is a massive opportunity and this is the last thing they've got to look forward to.
"I think if we can take the sting out of this game then we'll get a positive result, because if they get frustrated for another time then I can see their fans boiling over, so the first goal is going to be crucial.
"You want to keep the momentum and joy in the dressing room. We need to win four out of six to qualify for the Champions League. The Spurs result at Chelsea helped us as it would have been vastly different otherwise."
Thommo also warns their quarter-final tie is far than over despite Liverpool holding a commanding 3-0 lead heading to the Eithad Stadium on Tuesday.
"This game, believe me, is nowhere near over," he added. "If Liverpool can score three goals in 45 minutes then City can do likewise so, it may sound silly, this tie is still in the balance.
"The capability of these two teams is astonishing. You poke the bear and you have to expect a reaction, so even at 3-0 I'm not sitting comfortably."
