Liverpool have a massive game coming up in the Premier League when they take on Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds picked up a draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday, but need at least a draw against Manchester United to stay ahead of Manchester City.
Liverpool are currently second in the league table, and are behind Manchester City on goal difference. The Reds do have a game in hand, though, but City’s goal swing is so good (+10), it’s as good as a point.
The Reds prevailed over Manchester United when the two sides last met at Anfield, but unlike last time, the Red Devils are in a good run of form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and won’t sit back as they did under former manager Jose Mourinho.
Liverpool Team News
Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the game against Bayern Munich due to a suspension. The Dutchman will be fresh for the game against Manchester United, and that might have a bearing on the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold played the entire 90 minutes against Bayern, and should keep his place in the Liverpool lineup against Manchester United.
The Reds are still without Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren, and the duo are not expected to return any time soon.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Manchester United
Defence
The duo of Joe Matip and Van Dijk should line up at the back, with Andrew Robertson and Alexander-Arnold featuring as the full-backs.
With Van Dijk set to return, Klopp will have the chance to use Fabinho the defensive midfield role, where he has a bigger influence on games.
Alisson is expected to start in goal, and the Brazilian will want to put in a clean performance unlikely the last time when he faced Manchester United.
Midfield
Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum should feature in the double pivot in midfield, while Naby Keita might get the nod to start as the attacking midfielder.
Keita’s performances in the last few outings have improved, and considering United play a more expansive game now, the former Leipzig man might get chances to pierce the opposition midfield with his passes.
Attack
We don’t expect Klopp to make any changes to the attack as Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah are likely to start. Bayern managed to hold the three, and it’s not something many teams have achieved this season.
