Jurgen Klopp and Kopites can only describe this season as remarkable so far. Liverpool play hosts to Sunderland today, hoping to secure a fifth straight league win to keep the pace with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

However, the Christmas pile up of fixtures could take its toll on the side unless Klopp makes some changes from the impressive victory over Manchester City just two days ago.

Indeed, Sunderland will pose no easy task for the Reds as their battle for Premier League survival continues. The Wearsiders' impressive home form in recent weeks has given David Moyes' side a chance of avoiding the drop to the Championship.

Both teams met just over a month ago with Liverpool running out 2-0 winners at Anfield. The game saw Philippe Coutinho suffer an ankle injury that is expected to see him return in the coming days.

To avoid another injury to another key player, Klopp must pick these THREE fringe players to feature in a new-look Reds side.

Joe Gomez

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Defender Joe Gomez is on the mend after a string of serious injuries that have seen him out of action in the Premier League for almost 18 months.

The former Charlton youngster should start at left-back against Sunderland, allowing James Milner to move into a midfield role in the absence of Jordan Henderson.

Gomez was one of Liverpool's best defenders last season before he suffered a long-term injury which ruled him out for the entire campaign.

Lucas

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Lucas Leiva has been one of Liverpool's best servants down the years. Since moving to the club in 2007, his commitment the team has never been questioned.

With a move to Inter Milan potentially on the cards, Jurgen Klopp should allow the Brazilian midfielder one final opportunity to play for the Reds.

Lucas shouldn't be selected for just sentimental reasons though - rotation is vital at this time of year.

Ben Woodburn

The youngest ever goalscorer in the history of Liverpool Football Club. Youngster Ben Woodburn has not been given many opportunities in the first-team since his history-making goal against Leeds.

Nonetheless, you can forgive Klopp for not picking Woodburn as the Reds' forward line has been in great form all season.

Against Sunderland, however, the youngster deserves an outing from the bench, especially with Klopp making it abundantly clear he's not particularly interested in Daniel Sturridge.