Liverpool take on arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, hoping to bounce back from the midweek Europa League defeat.
The Reds closed out their Europa League group-stage campaign with a 2-1 away defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday, with Jurgen Klopp using this game to rotate his squad having already made it to the competition’s knockout rounds. Eventually, this game against Union SG was viewed as an important learning experience for several academy prospects and a big chance to rest several first-teamers.
Jurgen Klopp and Co must quickly turn focus to the Premier League where they sit on top and have won four out of their last five games. The Merseysiders will be aiming to pile more misery on Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, who were dumped out of Europe after finishing bottom in Group A of the Champions League.
Liverpool Team News
Alexis Mac Allister has been ruled out of the game against Man United after suffering a deep cut to his leg following a heavy challenge in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Sheffield United. The Argentinean midfielder has joined Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara in the treatment room.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Manchester United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker will take his place in between the sticks after being rested in the Europa League game against Union SG. He was excellent in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend but will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against Man United.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate was taken off at half time against Union SG to keep him fresh for the weekend’s big clash. With Joel Matip ruled out for the season, Konate is likely to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence in the Liverpool lineup. The centre-back duo have to maintain their focus throughout the game to keep the unpredictable Man United forwards quiet.
Kostas Tsimikas was an unused substitute against Union SG but is certain to start at left-back, while a night off in midweek should see a fully fresh Trent Alexander-Arnold operate from the right-back position in the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
Wataru Endo was taken off at half time against Union SG, as Jurgen Klopp looked to protect and keep him fresh for the game against Man United. He will start in the No.6 role in the Liverpool lineup, allowing Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai the freedom to push forward and create opportunities in the final third.
Harvey Elliot, who scored the winner against Crystal Palace last weekend, and Curtis Jones could get involved in the second half of the game.
Attack
Mohamed Salah was left at home in midweek, while Luis Diaz was an unused substitute in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Union SG. So, it seems pretty clear the duo will feature in the Liverpool attack on Sunday. Darwin Nunez emerged from the bench late in the game on Thursday and is likely to get the nod over Cody Gakpo to lead the Liverpool attack.
The potential front three of Salah, Diaz and Nunez will be licking their chops at the prospect of facing a leaky Man United defence.
