Liverpool predicted XI: Man City (A)
Liverpool’s first game back from the international break is a tough one as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City.
Liverpool’s record v City has been pretty good in recent seasons and they’ll be hoping that their good run will continue this weekend in Saturday’s early game.
A win for either side will take them top of the table, at least temporarily, so there’s a lot to play for, as per usual.
Here’s the side that I think Jurgen Klopp will pick for the game.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet was ‘rested’ for the game against Arsenal but Jurgen Klopp said after that game that the Belgian would return for the City clash, so we’ll take him at his word.
Right Back: Joe Gomez
With Nathaniel Clyne out for a long time, Klopp has the option of picking between Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold. I think he’ll go with Gomez in this game. The new England U21 skipper had a good game against Arsenal and I think he’ll get the nod here.
Centre Back: Joel Matip
Matip is clearly Liverpool’s best centre back, he’ll likely be tasked with keeping Sergio Aguero quiet.
Centre Back: Dejan Lovren
The transfer window closed with Liverpool failing to bring in a new centre back so Lovren is still first choice until January at the earliest.
Left Back: Alberto Moreno
Alberto Moreno looks to be first choice once again. Andy Robertson played well on his debut and looked good for Scotland too but Klopp will likely stick with the Spaniard.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson
The captain will continue in his role as the ‘number six’. He’ll need to be award of the runners that will come from City’s midfield.
Midfield: Emre Can
Can has been magnificent in recent weeks and he’ll be hoping to put in another top performance this weekend. It might earn him a few extra quid on his contract if he does…
Midfield: Gini Wijnaldum
There has been some talk of Philippe Coutinho coming straight back into the side but I think Klopp will go for a bit more industry in the shape of Wijnaldum.
Right Forward: Mohamed Salah
Salah has had a wonderful start to his career at Liverpool. His pace on the break could be a key factor in the game.
Left Forward: Sadio Mane
Mane is starting to establish himself as one of the best players in the Premier League. He’ll be looking to put on another show whilst on the big stage.
Striker: Roberto Firmino
Firmino has been in great form recently too. There are certainly question marks around the City defence and he’ll look to exploit any weaknesses.
Subs
Karius, Klavan, Alexander-Arnold, Milner, Grujic, Sturridge, Solanke.