Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City on Sunday in which will be seen as a six-pointer in the race for Champions League qualification, we’ve drawn up our predicted XI.
Liverpool come into the game with back-to-back wins against Arsenal & Burnley – with the latter being viewed as especially imperative in the Reds’ attempts to secure a top 4 spot.
But they will be up against a side inside the top 6 which will come as welcome relief to Jurgen Klopp as well as the supporters – with the side’s impeccable points return against these sides so far this season.
Man City suffered a potentially morale-shattering defeat in midweek to AS Monaco in the Champions League – and following dropped points in their last league outing at home to Stoke, manager Pep Guardiola will need to pick up the pieces fast.
A win for the away side would move them into third ahead of the Sky Blues – whilst a home win could potentially deal a blow to Liverpool’s ambitions this season. A draw wouldn’t be much of a benefit to either sides; although both sets of supporters would likely settle for one in a difficult match to predict.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet has been in good form of late – inspiring more confidence in his defenders.
Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne was partially at fault for Burnley’s goal last week and didn’t have the best of games. That said, he remains one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers in defence.
Centre Back: Joel Matip
Matip made 12 clearances, won four aerial duels, three interceptions, a great recovery tackle and a blocked shot against Burnley. No matter what the opposition throw at him, he’s just a rock!
Centre Back: Ragnar Klavan
Had a torrid first half, but he looked more at ease. Would be harsh to leave him out of the side.
Left Back: James Milner
Milner’s crossing remains woeful – and he doesn’t really offer much of an offensive threat. As much as I’d like to see Moreno return to the starting XI, I don’t think Klopp will be willing to make that call just yet.
Centre Defensive Midfield: Emre Can
Can really did have a stinker in the first half – he looked extremely sloppy on the ball and had to cover at centre-back because of the way our defence was exposed.
The Emre Can of before Christmas returned in the second half though – with six headers won, five clearances, joint most chances created and finally a fantastic drilled effort to win the game, it was much more like it.
To drop him after a potentially significant contribution to our season would be unthinkable. With Henderson still out, it’s Can’s chance to embark on a good spell.
Centre Midfield: Georginio Wijnaldum
The consensus was that Wijnaldum needed to start performing against lesser outfits this season – and he looks well on the way to doing that.
He was anonymous prior to his composed finish which ensured Liverpool went into the half all square last week – and was solid from there on.
Hoping he can start to perform consistently away from home.
Centre Midfield: Adam Lallana
Lallana was really poor against the Clarets – he looked lost at times on the turf, and I didn’t even know he was playing. That said, his creative play and energy levels could be the difference on Sunday.
Right Wing: Sadio Mane
Remains a thorn in opposition sides with his direct play, pace and goals. I can see him giving Bacary Sagna a nightmare.
Left Wing: Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho just didn’t seem at it last week at all – he even got hooked for 17-year old Ben Woodburn which tells you all you need to know.
He’s not yet in full form, but he has the ability to produce the goods against City.
Centre Forward: Divock Origi
Assisted two fine goals – but his poor aerial ability remains a concern. With Firmino still out, he has yet another opportunity to prove himself to the manager and the fans.