Jurgen Klopp after the debacle at Leicester City will have to take his team out to play at Anfield against Sunderland in the midst of all the talk about the fans boycotting the game at the 77 minute after the club announced that the ticket prices will be raised for the next season. However, this is a must-win game for both sides, Liverpool to get back in European places and Sunderland to gain some ground in the relegation battle.
Klopp revealed in the press conference leading up to this game that Daniel Sturridge, Phillipe Coutinho and Divock Origi are all back in training but will not be a part of this game against Sunderland. Defender Martin Skrtel had a setback in his return to fitness and will not be available for another couple of weeks. Apart from that, Liverpool have no new injuries to worry about as Klopp is not expected to make too many changes to his playing XI. Here is the strongest XI that might face Sunderland at Anfield:
Goalkeeper:
Simon Mignolet:
The Belgian let Vardy score twice in mid-week but will hope to keep a clean sheet against the struggling Black Cats on Saturday.
Defense:
Nathaniel Clyne:
The right back will keep his place after not doing too badly at the King Power stadium. He might have to add a bit more to his attacking runs if Liverpool are to open up the Black Cats’ defense.
Dejan Lovren:
The ex-Southampton man was shaky at the back against he pace of Vardy and will once again be tested by Defoe at the Anfield on Saturday.
Mamadou Sakho:
The French international has failed to impress since his return from injury but is still the first choice defender at Liverpool. He has a great chance to find some form against he struggling attack of Sunderland.
Alberto Moreno:
Though erratic in recent times, the Spaniard is a lively player who is relentless down his flank. Moreno will have to do better defensively to keep the Black Cats at Bay at Anfield.
Mid-field:
Lucas Leiva:
The Brazilian holding midfielder has not done too much damage to his reputation this season and will get another chance this weekend to help Liverpool gain some momentum this season.
Emre Can:
The German international will have to add more to his game to justify his place in the starting XI but is capable of providing the moment that can give Liverpool an attacking outlet.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper will be hoping to turn things around at the club and will surely give his all against his former team at Anfield on Saturday.
Adam Lallana:
The English midfielder has not been impressive in recent times and will soon have to show his class and justify the faith shown in him by the manager.
James Milner:
The hard working midfielder will once again be playing on the wing and will have to be at his best to provide Liverpool with some much-needed cutting edge in the final third.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino:
The Brazilian attacker is the most inform forward in Liverpool’s line-up and with Benteke the only other striker fit, Firmino is set to start the game against Sunderland after failing to score against Leicester City in the mid-week.
Formation:
4-3-2-1
