Borussia Dortmund vs. Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge Dropped for Divock Origi

Daniel Sturridge's quest for form and fitness took a hit on Thursday after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted to start Divock Origi against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg.

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo confirmed Sturridge was benched for the tie in place of Origi, with Roberto Firmino also named on the bench as he looks to make his return from injury:

Earlier on Thursday, MailOnline's Laurie Whitwell noted the German "understands the strengths and weaknesses of Dortmund better than any other manager and believes the Belgium international's pace can threaten" their opponents. Per David Maddock of the Mirror, it could be Origi's work rate, "power and energy" that led to his selection ahead of the England international. 

Football writer Dave O'Connell also reported on the speculation that Origi could be given the green light against the Black and Yellows and highlighted the change in fortunes the 20-year-old has enjoyed at Anfield:

Maddock further reported Klopp's "recent training sessions have suggested he wants to go with pace and power up top with the likes of Adam Lallana and [Philippe] Coutinho pressing high up behind."

Sturridge isn't lacking for pace himself, but Origi will also need to show dynamism and a willingness to run tirelessly to close down Dortmund in their own half in what could be a night of few chances for Liverpool at Signal Iduna Park.

The Belgian could have the advantage there and certainly showed plenty of endeavour during his substitute showing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Sturridge, meanwhile, failed to impress Bleacher Report UK:

However, football writers Jack Lusby and James Nalton felt criticism of the 26-year-old's performance was somewhat harsh:

Sturridge did provide the assist for Coutinho's goal, after all, and he does have the edge on Origi in terms of goalscoring.

The England international has seven goals for the season in almost 400 fewer minutes than Origi has taken to net five, and three of the latter's tallies came in December's 6-1 win over Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

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If Dortmund—who boast the second-best defensive record (28 goals conceded) in the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich (13)—are able to limit the Reds to a handful of chances, Sturridge may have been better equipped to capitalise despite his failure to find the net against Spurs.

Per Sky Sports News HQ, Klopp is wary several key defensive players for BVB are in line to feature after resting on Saturday. Nevertheless, he believes his side can emerge triumphant:

Against the likes of Mats Hummels and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, a ruthless finisher such as Sturridge might have provided a big boost, although Klopp appears to feel his trust is best placed elsewhere.

Origi has another factor working in his favour, though, as BVB manager Thomas Tuchel may not have anticipated his selection ahead of Sturridge, which Whitwell said would present him with a "conundrum to solve."

The forwards' different approaches could prompt Tuchel to adjust his tactics in light of the news that Origi will start. However, given Sturridge's history with injuries, the German has likely planned for the possibility of facing a Liverpool side without the striker present.

As far as selection dilemmas go, it's not a bad one for Klopp to have. Sturridge's availability in itself is something of a bonus—his start on Saturday marked the first time he lined up for consecutive Premier League games in nearly six months, per Sky Sports Statto.

Klopp may still have faith in Sturridge's ability and merely consider Origi a player whose skill set fits in with strategy, while the England striker will have his opportunity to make an impact off the bench.