Liverpool still have worst-case Man City scenario after Sparta Prague as Klopp problem remains

Things could hardly have gone better for Jurgen Klopp. Even Conor Bradley's own goal was fired into the top corner, that's how sharp this Liverpool side are.

A strong team selected for the Europa League clash against Sparta Prague did the job in the first leg and ensured that there will be yet more chances, you'd imagine, for Klopp's Kids in the return fixture next week Either side of that game are two season-defining matches of their own.

The meeting with Manchester City on Sunday cannot be overstated for its importance, whilst travelling to Old Trafford one week later for the FA Cup battle against United offers an opportunity to keep the quadruple chances alive. The international break to follow comes at a key time for Klopp, but there's plenty to do first.

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In this light, Thursday's trip to Czech Republic went as well as anyone could have dreamed. Four of the starting XI - all of whom would expect to start against Pep Guardiola's men in three days - were taken off to be rested, whilst Ibrahima Konate's injury was shrugged off at full-time.

Joe Gomez is also expected to be fine after being subbed off. Mohamed Salah got back to work on the pitch, as did Dominik Szoboslzlai, and it was all done with the minimum of fuss.

Chances were aplenty for both sides, granted, but for Caoimhin Kelleher it was a good warmup for facing Erling Haaland and Co. Darwin Nunez continued his impressive scoring run, whilst there were strong performances across the field in what could have been an intimidating environment.

Realistically, if there was an ideal way to prepare for the title showdown, this was