Ian Doyle: Even those with the most rudimentary understanding of mathematics will be aware five into three

doesn’t go. And such is the conundrum facing Jurgen Klopp as he ponders which front trio could lead the line in the

Premier League opener at Chelsea and beyond.

Of course, injuries, suspensions, different opponents and dips in form mean Liverpool are right to be well served by

multiple options in attack. That, too, is before even considering the claims of Ben Doak, the 17-year-old winger who

continues to impress whenever he takes to the field at whatever level.

The right wing role, though, is nailed down, Mohamed Salah still one of the Premier League’s best players and

demonstrating against Karlsruher SC on Wednesday he remains very much in the mood to devastate defences this season.

The other two positions, though, aren’t quite so clear-cut. While Luis Diaz is by and large a left-wing operator, the

triumvirate of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota can each play in both that wide role and down the middle.

And all three were on target in Germany on Wednesday.

Diaz, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, is still seeking full sharpness. Jota also had injury problems last season

but appears further down the line in terms of being match-ready, evidenced by his strong end to the campaign and

two goals at the BBBank Wildpark stadium. Nunez opened the scoring and appeared a lot more comfortable linking

play if still possessing a degree of trademark chaos, while Gakpo still contributed hugely to the attack despite being

selected in a deeper midfield role.

The Dutchman, though, is Liverpool’s best option to lead the line at present – Roberto Firmino’s natural successor as

a false nine – leaving the remaining three to scrap for the left wing role. And the sheer goal threat of Jota at present –

the Portuguese has always been a ‘streaky’ scorer – means he edges out Nunez on the left. At least for now…

Joe Rimmer: There are a lot of unresolved questions for Jurgen Klopp to answer as Liverpool head into a new season.

With the big kick off against Chelsea just over three weeks away, Klopp only has to figure out which formation to

play, who will start as his number six, what the rest of the midfield looks like, oh and who will captain the side.

It’s the biggest period of change since he took charge of the club and it means there’s plenty of unknowns for the

Reds in the weeks ahead.

But one decision Klopp will be pleased about is the make-up of the front three, in which he has plenty of possibilities.

Mohamed Salah is a nailed-on starter, but beside him, all four of Klopp’s senior options are making their case for a

start. And that’s before we even mention the wildcard Ben Doak.

Cody Gakpo looks to be Roberto Firmino’s natural successor, so he should start. Then it’s either Diogo Jota, Luis

Diaz or Darwin Nunez on the left of the attack. Jota looks a threat, but I’ve always preferred him centrally and find

him more threatening from the bench.

Diaz would almost be an automatic pick when he’s fit and firing but he doesn’t look quite there yet.

Therefore I’d be tempted to inject Nunez’s own brand of chaos into that front three in the hope that he can get his

season underway in the best way possible.