Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is purposely looking to annoy striker Daniel Sturridge.

Klopp and Sturridge have endured a difficult relationship at Liverpool and the German manager displayed his lack of faith in the striker by completely snubbing him during the Reds' 1-0 Europa League semi-final first leg defeat at the hands of Villarreal last Thursday.

With Liverpool needing a goal in the return leg, it will be interesting to see if Klopp decides to reinstate Sturridge for the clash and while doing so would be logical, former Arsenal forward Nicholas has his reservations as the 48-year-old is seemingly intent on agitating the England international.

Nicholas said on Sky: "Liverpool have lost their way over the last few games and I thought it was another missed opportunity with Jurgen Klopp not playing a striker in Villarreal.

"The situation with Daniel Sturridge is an odd one, not picking him in the big game then throwing him in with the kids on Sunday. It's like he's purposely trying to annoy him.

"Villarreal are clever and tricky and they'll be looking to pick Liverpool off on the counter-attack with Cedric Bakambu's pace, especially with Kolo Toure in there in Mamadou Sakho's absence.

"I think if Klopp plays Sturridge then I think they'll go through but I think he might try to be a bit too clever again and leave him to come off the bench."