With no win from 3 games in three different competitions at the start of the New Year, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, have lost some ground at the top of the table and they are in danger of losing more if they fail to perform in arguably the biggest game of their season so far this weekend.
Klopp’s men travel to the Old Trafford this weekend to face their old foes in Manchester United at a time when Mourinho has got them to win 5 back to back league games, in the busy festive period in England. Liverpool and United are expected put on a show on the night with both team’s going with strong sides. Here is the predicted lineup that Liverpool might field for this game:
Team News:
The Reds are still without Danny Ings, who may not feature against this season. Sadio Mane is busy at the AFCON and remains the only other absentee from the first team. Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip are both expected to take late fitness tests before they can get into the starting XI for this game:
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Simon Mignolet:
The Belgian shot stopper is the first choice in his position for Liverpool and he will play his second game of the New Year at the Old Trafford this weekend.
Nathaniel Clyne:
One of the first names on the team sheet for Klopp this season, Clyne, is the only senior right-back at the club and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Dejan Lovren:
Though Matip could yet be fit, Lovern has done a decent job at the back recently and Klopp should stick with him for this game against United.
Ragnar Klavan:
Was responsible for Southampton’s goal in the League Cup semi-final but he has generally been solid and should keep Matip out for another game before he can return to the first team.
James Milner:
The makeshift fullback for Liverpool have been one of the most influential players in this position in the league and he should star this game against Manchester United.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper is a very determined man and he will be licking his lips at a chance of starting this fierce derby at the Old Trafford.
Emre Can:
The German was poor in the last couple of games for the Reds but the occasion might spur him up to put in a better performance on the night in Manchester.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch midfielder has also been in decent form for the Reds this season and he will hope to jeep his place in the side for this clash.
Adam Lallana:
The playmaker is in the form of his life for Liverpool this season and Klopp will hope that he can have a similar effect on this game against the Red Devils.
Roberto Firmino:
The Brazilian has been ineffective in the last couple of outings but he has enough quality to breeze past the United defence on the night.
Philippe Coutinho:
Having got a few minutes under his belt in the League Cup earlier this week, Coutinho, is fit, fresh and ready to take on Manchester United this weekend.
