Liverpool will play their final game of 2018 on Saturday when they take on Arsenal at Anfield, and will hope to keep their lead at the top of the table.
The Reds have had a brilliant 2018 and although they failed to win a trophy, they are well-placed in the Premier League table to finally end their near three-decade wait for the domestic title.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have dropped points in just three games so far and are yet to lose in the league. The fans will certainly hope that they can keep it that way come Saturday.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool will be without James Milner who hasn’t recovered from his hamstring problem. Barring Milner, Klopp has a pretty good squad to choose from against the Gunners.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
Defence
We expect Klopp to stick to the same back four that he went with against Arsenal in the last game. Andy Robertson came off late in the second half but is expected to start in the left-back role. Trent Alexander-Arnold should keep his place on the right.
Dejan Lovren scored a screamer against Newcastle and should partner Virgil van Dijk at the back once again. Alisson is likely to keep his place in goal.
Midfield
Gini Wijnaldum came off around the hour mark against Newcastle, presumably to keep him fresh for the game on Saturday. He is likely to start alongside Fabinho who played little less than 30 minutes against the Magpies.
Fabinho seems to have acclimatised to Klopp’s style of play, and the Brazilian has become a key player for the Reds in recent weeks as he can drop deep and put a tackle on and even maraud forward to play the final pass.
Attack
Xherdan Shaqiri’s movement against Newcastle was fantastic, but the Swiss international might not start against Arsenal as Naby Keita is in line to play.
Keita’s hasn’t been at his best on the left, so he could be used in the attacking midfield or a number role, meaning Roberto Firmino might start up top.
Arsenal are not the strongest at the back, so Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could cause havoc on the wings.
Mane – Firmino – Salah
Keita
Wijnaldum – Fabinho
Robertson – Van Dijk – Lovren – TAA
Alisson
