After a couple of weeks of the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be back in action this weekend as they start the next round of the Premier League in a lunchtime kick-off at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The Reds, who are currently 3rd in the points table, having played a game more than Spurs and Chelsea, will look to build on their lead this weekend.
Sadio Mane’s only goal helped the Reds to an easy win against Palace at Anfield but Liverpool have lost two of their last five games against the Eagles and will have to work hard for all three points. Palace will be coming on the back of a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town and Roy Hodgson will believe that his side can take something from this game. But Klopp cannot allow any complacency to set in and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The international break has not been too kind for the Reds. Joe Gomez picked up a niggle and could be out up to a month while midfielder Emre Can is suffering from a back injury and might not be risked for this game. Andrew Robertson has a dead leg but could be available along with Dejan Loren, who is back in training. Nathaniel Clyne is also back on the field but will be assessed before this game.
Liverpool play City in the Champions League just days after this game and Klopp might be tempted to rest a few of his first-team stars.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Loris Karius has been effective under the bar recently and will continue to be the first choice for Klopp for the rest of the season. Virgil van Dijk scored on his debut as the skipper of the Dutch national team and should be up and ready for this tie. He could be partnered with Joel Matip, who needs to find some consistency.
With Clyne and Gomez not fully fit, young Trent-Alexandre Arnold is the only option for Klopp at RB while Andrew Robertson, who should be fit, will start at LB.
Midfield:
Skipper Jordan Henderson was rested for England’s second game against Italy and could start this weekend. James Milner has been productive recently and could start alongside Georginio Wijnaldum, who also had a decent time with his national team.
Attack:
Mohamed Salah may have scored in a losing cause but will be full on confidence after his four-goal performance vs Watford just before the break. He should be accompanied by Sadio Mane on the left wing and Roberto Firmino in a false-9 role, both of who were active during the break.
Here is how they might line up:
