Liverpool aim to extend their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United as they face off at Anfield this Sunday.
With ambition to secure the top spot in the Premier League for consecutive weekends, the Reds are poised to build on their previous 7-0 victory against United in March. Despite the heavy favouritism towards Liverpool, the visitors are eager to spring a surprise.
Newsnow Liverpool takes a look at how Jurgen Klopp may shape his lineup for this crucial game.
Goalkeeper – Alisson
In Liverpool’s recent Europa League clash, Caoimhin Kelleher featured in their final game, ending in a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise. However, the prospect of Kelleher starting in goal today is nonexistent. Alisson, absent from the traveling squad in the previous match, is set to reclaim his position as the goalkeeper.
Alisson, the Brazilian goalkeeper, aims to maintain his impressive record with a fifth consecutive clean sheet at Anfield against United. Despite having only four shut-outs in 14 Premier League matches this season, all of them have been achieved at Anfield. Notably, he is currently on a streak of three successive clean sheets at L4.
Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas
Captain Virgil van Dijk, like Alisson, opted for rest at home in Merseyside instead of traveling to Belgium. In the upcoming match, he is set to take his place at centre-back, partnering with Ibrahima Konate, as Joel Matip is potentially sidelined for the entire season.
Kostas Tsimikas, having not played any European minutes, is expected to assist Diaz in challenging Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left flank. In light of injuries, there’s speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold might feature as the deepest-lying midfielder, while Joe Gomez takes on the role of right-back.
The homegrown defender, a key figure in Liverpool’s recent success, is expected to kick off the game in his customary hybrid position, commencing at right-back and shifting infield during possession. Klopp will then have the flexibility to make changes, with Gomez available among the substitutes.
Midfield – Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai
Klopp faces a midfield challenge, primarily caused by the absence of Alexis Mac Allister, his preferred holding midfielder. Despite Alexander-Arnold’s likely start at right-back, Klopp must choose between Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch for the No 6 position.
Endo, who had a planned halftime substitution in the Europa League, is a strong contender for the role. Jones, having completed a full 90 minutes in Belgium, and the rested Dominik Szoboszlai might assume the starting No 8 positions.
Jones and Elliott stand as impactful substitutes. Unfortunately, Klopp is without Mac Allister, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic due to injuries, creating additional challenges for the Reds.
Attack – Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Cody Gakpo netted twice during United’s previous visit to Anfield, yet having completed a full 90 minutes in European play, the Dutch player, who exhibited a subdued performance against USG, might find himself relegated to the bench today. The starting position on the left should be occupied by Luis Diaz.
In the prior match, Darwin Nunez secured two goals. Despite boasting seven goals and seven assists in 23 games this season, he has encountered a goal-scoring dry spell in his last nine appearances (including five starts) and is eager to break that streak in this match.
Fresh off achieving his 200th goal for Liverpool, Salah, who was rested during the midweek fixture, looks forward to extending his dominance over United. Salah has notched up more goals against the Red Devils than any other team in his career, tallying 12 goals and four assists in 12 games. Impressively, he has contributed to seven goals in the last two meetings at Anfield alone.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man Utd (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
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