Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a big deal, regardless of it being a dead rubber game or a friendly. Of late, the International Champions Cup has thrown in quite a few competitive fixtures despite the clubs fielding weaker sides.
Liverpool have already signed quite a few players, so Jürgen Klopp and co. are looking good for the upcoming season. The clash against Manchester United will provide their new signings more time together.
Liverpool have lost just once so far in pre-season. The game against Borussia Dortmund was a big test for the team from Merseyside and two late goals sealed the tie in Dortmund’s favour. Klopp’s side did play pretty well in the first half as they created quite a few openings and will hope to step up again when they take on Manchester United.
They beat Manchester City during their last encounter and that would have been a confidence booster for some of the lesser-known players.
With more games being played, we’re getting to see more of the first team players get more minutes on the pitch. Here’s how the Reds could line up for the tie against Manchester United…
Predicted Liverpool lineup
Defence
Nathaniel Clyne has travelled back to the UK, which means Phillips Nathaniel and Andy Robertson are expected to start as the fullbacks while the duo of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will start at the heart of the defence. In Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip’s absence, Gomez needs to make the most of his opportunities and impress Klopp as a centre-half.
Loris Karius will be absent for the game which means Kamil Grabara could start in between the sticks.
Midfield
Naby Keita had a stiff neck and might not start. Fabinho, James Milner and Adam Lallana could complete the midfield three. Klopp has a lot of options of course, and we could see the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Rafa Camacho get a run-out.
Attack
Mohamed Salah is back and scored just after coming on against Manchester City with a good header. He could get a start this time and be taken off at halftime as Klopp will want to ease him back into the action. Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane could complete the attack.
Curtis Jones was mighty impressive last time and he could get a few minutes in the second half.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Grabara; Phillips, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Lallana; Salah, Mane, Sturridge
