Sky Sports are currently doing all they can to hype up Manchester United v Liverpool, but they needn’t bother. This game doesn’t need hyping up. Even when one of the two sides were struggling in the past, this was a massive game.
With Liverpool sitting in second place in the league and Man United on a nine game winning streak in all competitions, both teams are flying and as such, this game becomes a bit more tasty.
Liverpool have had a little stutter as of late, with the draw at Sunderland followed by two cup-ties in which they failed to score but Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful that the Reds, like they have done in recent years under the German, rise to the big occasion.
Liverpool will be without Sadio Mane who is away on international duty but with Philippe Coutinho expected to make his first league appearance since November and both Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip back in training, Klopp certainly has options to choose from.
With all that being said, here’s the team I think he’ll pick at Old Trafford:
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Despite a good game from Loris Karius in midweek, I think Klopp will recall Simon Mignolet.
Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne has had issues against Anthony Martial in the past and will need to up his game if the Frenchman starts on Sunday afternoon.
Centre Back: Dejan Lovren
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic in good form, Lovren will need to be at his best too.
Centre Back: Ragnar Klavan
I think this game comes too early for Matip to start, meaning Klavan keeps his place.
Left Back: James Milner
Fresh from controlling the ball with his face against Southampton, James Milner will continue at left-back.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson
The captain’s return is a major boost. His absence has definitely been felt.
Midfield: Gini Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum has been a key figure in Liverpool’s big wins this season. Let’s hope for another big game from the Dutchman.
Midfield: Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana looks better in a deeper role, that’s where he’s been at his best. I think Klopp will put him back in midfield.
Right Forward: Roberto Firmino
Firmino is at his best when he plays centrally but Mane’s absence needs covering and as such, I think he’ll move to the right.
Left Forward: Philippe Coutinho
It’s great to see the magician back fit. He scored a wonderful solo goal at Old Trafford last year. More of the same will be nice!
Striker: Divock Origi
Origi will be tasked with leading the line. United’s defence has been pretty good but it’s not amazing by any stretch of the imagination. If he is on his game, Origi can cause problems.