Man United haven’t been the same since Alex Ferguson left, but they’ve still had somewhat of a hold over the Reds in recent games.
This time we face them in a competition we’ve never done so before. A rare first in a game between Liverpool and Man United.
Jürgen Klopp is set for his second taste of one of the fiercest rivalries in football and, of course, wants results to pan out better than they did in his first.
The Manchester side have already beaten the Merseysiders twice this season, a record that needs putting right.
If aspirations of winning the Europa League are real, the Reds must overcome this mammoth tie unscathed and buoyant. Momentum must be carried forward.
With a few players forcing Klopp’s hand and team selection, who could/should the German manager plump for for the visit of Louis van Gaal’s men to Anfield?
Here’s my predicted XI…
GK: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet is Mignolet. Often flatters to deceive for me. Yes, you’re right, he does have moments where he appears to be morphing into Manuel Neuer, but for the most part he plays more like Manuel Almunia.
Has to start though. Klopp’s stuck with him and he’ll continue to play for the remainder of the season at very least.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne is the club’s best right-back – and arguably the club’s best left-back too!
Flanagan has made some impact since coming in, but he’s not eligible for this one.
CB: Dejan Lovren
He’s been solid hasn’t he? He’s managed to sort his head out, get back into the side and ultimately begin to prove his critics wrong.
Arguably our best centre-back as it stands. Must start.
CB: Mamadou Sakho
Sakho hasn’t been in the best of form, but he’s still a comfortable pick to partner Lovren at the back.
The Frenchman can be so dominant as we’ve seen in the past. He needs to rekindle that. Playing regularly will help.
LB: Alberto Moreno
Capable of an utter brain fart but also sometimes produces something quite brilliant – the shot vs. Crystal Palace sticks out as one of those moments.
I still have some love for Moreno. I think there’s a player in there somewhere. His intent to get forward really helps Liverpool’s counter-attacking play. He needs to defend better though.
CM: Emre Can
This fella picks himself.
I’ve been hugely impressed with his consistency in midfield both since Klopp arrived and also in particular over recent weeks.
His presence lends itself to a brick wall. He wins the ball back. He can carry the ball. He’s a big player for the Reds right now. Has to start.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The captain will play – that much is obvious. He hasn’t really been in sparkling form though, has he?
I’ve been underwhelmed by his efforts this calendar year.
Perhaps his ongoing injury isn’t helping him, but he needs to add more to Liverpool’s midfield and support the good work Emre Can brings to the party.
It’s in there somewhere…
CM: Joe Allen
He could get his opportunity tonight with James Milner a doubt for the game.
I think when he has played, he’s been pretty good in central areas and also seems to carry some attacking threat.
No problem with Allen dropping in for this.
LF: Phil Coutinho
You definitely don’t need me to sit here and tell you why this man should be starting games for Liverpool.
He made a good cameo appearance against Crystal Palace. He’s fresh. Often scores big goals. Imperative he plays tonight!
RF: Roberto Firmino
He’s Liverpool’s best player currently and it’s not even close really, is it?
Involved in nearly everything good the Reds have done recently, he’s paramount to Jurgen Klopp’s side right now.
Can link up well with his fellow Brazilian too.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
Rested last weekend fully as Benteke took to the stage to reverse Liverpool’s fortunes, I’d expect the Englishman to return to the line up.
We all know what he can do. He needs to continue to stay fit and the goals will inevitably come.
Team in full
Here’s the team we’ve gone for along with the rough formation we think Klopp could use.