Predicted Liverpool XI to face Man United – Can the Reds pull one over deadliest rivals?

published

Predicted Liverpool XI to face Man United in the Premier League

Liverpool maintained their dominance atop the Premier League standings with a narrow 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham last week, thanks to a solitary goal from Roberto Firmino.

The Reds, who are currently 14 points clear of defending champions Man City, look set for another tough battle when they play host to Man United at Anfield on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Wolves in the replay and they will be looking to carry that momentum into the high-octane clash against the runaway Premier League leaders at the weekend. 

United held the reigning European champions to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign and the Red Devils will need to pull the rabbit out of the hat once again when they make the trip to Anfield.

Team News

Joel Matip (thigh) and Dejan Lovren (knee) are both on the comeback trail from their respective injuries, although their availability on Sunday will be subject to late fitness tests. 

Fabinho, who has been struggling with an ankle problem, also has an outside chance of making it to the matchday squad whilst Naby Keita (groin), Nathaniel Clyne (knee) and James Milner (thigh) are all ruled out. 

Liverpool
Roberto Firmino’s winner propelled Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham last week (Getty Images)

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Predicted XI

1. Alisson Becker (GK)

The Brazilian has been the undisputed first-choice for the Reds between the sticks and he is expected to continue in goal on Sunday.

2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)

The ever-improving academy graduate has established himself as a key cog in Klopp’s engine and he will once again hold the cards to Liverpool’s success.

3. Virgil van Dijk (CB)

One of the best defenders in the Premier League, the Dutchman is virtually an automatic selection for Klopp week in, week out. 

4. Joe Gomez (CB)

The England international has grabbed his opportunities with both hands in the absence of Lovren and Matip and he is likely to continue in the playing eleven against Man United.

liverpool
Liverpool are currently 14 points clear of Man City atop the standings (Getty Images)

5. Andrew Robertson (LB)

The influential left-back has been one of the team’s key creative outlets from the flanks and his excellent all-round game at both ends of the pitch could be a key factor on Sunday.

6. Jordan Henderson (CDM)

The Englishman has stepped into Fabinho’s shoes quite brilliantly and he is likely to start at the heart of the midfield once again at the weekend. 

7. Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)

The Dutchman has really contributed a lot with goals but he continues to be one of the mainstays in Liverpool’s midfield with his work-rate and well-rounded skill set. 

8. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)

The former Arsenal man hit the post against Tottenham in the last game and he will be keen to make amends this time around.

9. Mo Salah (RW)

The Egyptian wizard failed to add to his tally of 14 goals for the season against Spurs last week but he bagged the assist for Firmino’s winner, nevertheless.

 liverpool
Credits: Getty Images

10. Sadio Mane (LW)

The Senegalese international showed last week that he can be quite devastating even when he isn’t hitting top gear and Man United could have their work cut out in keeping him at bay.

More Liverpool News

11. Robert Firmino (ST)

The Brazilian maestro scored the all-important winner for the Reds in their previous outing and his guile and intelligence could come in handy against a resolute United backline.

abS2vzlaiz