Jürgen Klopp has been a happy manager in the past few weeks. Firstly, he had a memorable transfer window as barring Virgil van Dijk and maybe Thomas Lemar, the Merseyside club managed to bring in all of their main transfer targets. During the last couple of days in August, Liverpool signed Arsenal’s midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain. Jürgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the English midfielder and the addition of this starlet can propel Liverpool to greater heights.
Liverpool capped off the third week of the league in a remarkable manner. Jürgen Klopp’s side thrashed Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in a 4-0 score line. The Reds demolished the Gunners as their attacking style of play helped them get better of their rivals.
Klopp would be extremely satisfied with his attacking trio of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane who have been exceptional so far. Moreover, Klopp managed to keep hold of his star playmaker Philippe Coutinho. Amid reported interests from Barcelona, Coutinho could not complete his dream move to Camp Nou.
Liverpool has had a satisfactory summer and now much would be expected from them. The dynamic Jürgen Klopp is keen to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title. He managed to retain the core of the squad and added some valuable players to the team. The only major cause of concern is the defence. Despite failing to land Virgil van Dijk, they could have looked for other centre-backs in the market. Currently, Joel Matip looks like the only safe and secure option to lead the backline.
Injury Updates
Two main first-team players will miss the big clash against Manchester City. Adam Lallana is recovering well from his thigh injury but can still take a month to be back on the ground. The absence of the playmaker can be crucial for Liverpool against City. Even though the Reds have managed well without him until now, his calm head in midfield will be missed. His ability to make runs forward combined with his constant defensive contributions was a huge asset for Liverpool last season.
Nathaniel Clyne will miss games for a prolonged period. The right-back suffered a back injury ahead of the season and will miss a couple of months at least.
Though Coutinho came back to first team training for Liverpool, Klopp has made it clear that the Brazilian will not be part of the squad to face City. It would take the Brazilian some time to get back into the groove and compete for the big season ahead. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can make his debut for the Reds’ but is expected to start on the bench. Joe Gomez could continue in the right-back slot.
Probable Starting XI
Mignolet; Robertson, Matip, Lovren, Gomez; Wijnaldum, Can, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
