Liverpool against Manchester United is always huge and considering the two clubs’ circumstances this season, the game on Sunday has more riding on it.
The Reds haven’t beaten Manchester United in the league since 2014, when they won 3-0 at Old Trafford, and have beaten the Red Devils just once in the last 10 meetings between the two sides in all competitions, so that’s an itch they would definitely want to get rid of come Sunday.
Jose Mourinho’s side, on the other hand, will hate to see the old enemy continue their unbeaten run in the league this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be buoyed by another inspired 1-0 win in Europe when they advance to the Champions League knockout stage at Napoli’s expense and the fans will hope the side can replicate a similar performance against the old enemy.
Liverpool Team News
Klopp would have liked to have a deeper squad as there is a bit of a shortage at the back. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been ruled out for more than a month, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to feature against United, meaning we could see James Miler in the right-back slot.
Milner played in the right-back role against Bournemouth and is expected to start there ahead of Nathaniel Clyne who hasn’t played in a while and isn’t 100 percent match fit yet.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
Defence
Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren should start at the heart of the defence considering there is a real shortage of resources at the moment. Andy Robertson and James Miler are expected to start as the full-backs.
Alisson played a key hand, literally, against Napoli, and should keep his place in goal.
Midfield
This is the key area. Considering Klopp has rotated in the last few weeks, the pattern would suggest that Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum will start in the midfield pivot.
Naby Keita is starting to impress with every game and he will be expected to play in the number 10 role.
Attack
Sadio Mane had a bizarre game against Napoli on Tuesday as he missed several chances to add more gloss to the final score. He should start on the left.
Mohamed Salah could return to the right wing role as United are likely to play with a packed defence so his ability to stretch play and take on defenders could be more useful on the right. Roberto Firmino will lead the line against Mourinho’s side.
Mane – Firmino – Salah
Keita
Wijnaldum – Fabinho
Robertson – van Dijk – Lovren – Milner
Alisson