Liverpool will take on Manchester City in what will arguably be their toughest test of the Premier League season. The Reds are in a good run of form, and Manchester City too have picked up the pace in recent weeks, so it promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Not many expected Liverpool to go on a stellar run of winning five games in a row after losing Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho to Injuries, but the Reds have coped well and have proved their doubters wrong. Against a side like Manchester City though, they will have their work cut out.
After a poor start to the league, Manchester City are finally looking like the team that many expect them to be. Pep Guardiola’s side have pressed teams well and their defence has improved after letting in five goals against Leicester City earlier in the season.
Liverpool Team News
Joel Matip’s return will be a massive boost for Liverpool as his experience and ability to play out from the back will be important against Manchester City.
The Reds would have liked to have Thiago in for this clash, but in his absence, expect Klopp to go with a hard-working midfield to counter Manchester City’s press.
Naby Keita is another player who is in contention after finally testing negative for covid19, and it remains to be seen if he will start.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Man City
Goalkeeper
Having Alisson Becker in the starting lineup makes Liverpool a stronger unit at the back. His organisational skills at the back are not talked about enough, and he will be a key player against the Sky Blues.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are often key players, but against City their impact will be bigger as they can stretch play and put in the dangerous crosses to test a shaky defence. They should start as the full-backs
Joe Gomez has done exceedingly well at the back, and he will start alongside Matip at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum should play as the two central midfielders. Henderson’s passing on the transitions will be key. It remains to be seen whether Klopp will go with Keita or Roberto Firmino in the Liverpool lineup.
Both offer the quality and work rate in midfield, but we believe Keita could get the nod as he is a more natural player in front of a double pivot.
Attack
Firmino’s form has been worrying, so we could see the man in form Diogo Jota get the nod to play upfront. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah should complete the Liverpool lineup.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Manchester City