Jurgen Klopp is now ready to fight his biggest challenge yet when table topper Manchester City welcome Liverpool at Etihad tonight. The German manager would have happily welcomed his players to be training with him for the whole week, however, as International Break ended, players have returned to training 48 hours ago and are trying their best to get ready for a gigantic encounter when they face City. Ahead of the much-awaited kick-off, we tried to look at the Predicted Liverpool eleven against Manchester City.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet will have his work on high alert as Sergio Aguero ready to return to the squad for Manchester City. He was in good form with the national team also. As Thibaut Courtois still injured, Simon Mignolet gave a stunning performance under the goal bar, while Belgium defeated Italy 3-1 on Friday night. Mignolet produced stood like a wall as Belgium thrashed their opponents, with strikes from Jan Vertonghen, Kevin de Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi while cancelling out third-minute stunner from Antonio Candreva. Liverpool’s Belgian goalkeeper was in fine form keeping the dangerous Graziano Pelle in control.
Defenders
Injury for Mamadou Sakho had left a big void to the new Liverpool manager to fill. Jurgen Klopp would choose Dejan Lovren to partner with Martin Skrtel as central defenders while Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno operating from the full-back positions. Argentine Aguero has a tendency to go past the centre-backs quite easily and make himself free inside the penalty box to connect with regular incoming crosses. The central defensive pair will have to be highly alert all the times, get stuck with Aguero, make sure the Argentine doesn’t have the space to run into behind the defence line.
Defending Midfielders
Lucas, Emre Can and James Milner, Klopp’s faithful midfield trio, will lead the Reds’ fight against Yaya Toure, Fernando and Fernandinho. Milner’s return from a hamstring injury will be a key factor for Liverpool as the Anfield captain is most important to keep the Red engine running from midfield. He will need to take major responsibility to stifle a marauding Aleksander Kolarov, who has always been a danger operating from left wing. James Milner played the same role against Chelsea, effectively nullifying the threat of Hazard and Oscar, who were forced towards the centre of the pitch in search of a ball.
Attacking Midfielders
Going forward, the attacking midfielders will be Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana. Coutinho has finally started producing his best performances and today the Brazilian will be given a massive responsibility to get past Manchester City’s solid defence. On the other hand, Adam Lallana’s experience and defensive duty will give the full-backs much needed protection against City’s constant threats.
Striker
Cristian Benteke will be Liverpool’s key striker. He is that kind of player who would enjoy a physical challenge that the two City central defenders, Mangala and Otamendi will provide him. Benteke’s aerial threat will be a definite threat to the City defence, but the Belgian striker has proved recently he is also effective with a ball at his feet.
