Every week before a Liverpool match, a panel of Read Liverpool writers will come together and choose who they would throw out on the pitch and how they’d arrange the team.
Think yours is better than any of ours? Tweet me (@tombogert) your XI in the days leading up to the next game and you might be picked to have your say in this article as the “Your Liverpool XI” writer for that match.
Tom Bogert: (4-1-2-1-2) Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Gomez; Lucas; Milner, Can; Firmino; Origi, Benteke
The 4-4-2 diamond seems to be all the rage for what Read Liverpool wants to see this weekend at Old Trafford. Against United on the road, solidity and constraining attacking space will be key.
Lucas sweeping up in front of the back line is essential as Liverpool may well be on the back foot. But, the beauty of this tactical setup is that the lads can play on the front foot, too.
Benteke and Origi will press the backline and Firmino will look to squeeze second balls. I’ve gone with Origi here over Ings as I feel he’s got more quality than the Englishman.
Ings’ work rate would be well welcomed on the day, but I want to see Origi get a chance first.
If he’s not working hard enough or it’s not coming off for him, then Ings for Origi will be an easy second half swap.
Paul Williams: (4-1-2-1-2) Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Lucas; Milner, Can; Firmino; Ings, Benteke
Despite Lovren’s poor performance against West Ham, continuity in Liverpool’s back four may be crucial in solidifying the defence once more.
Moreno has performed well when called upon, but the more robust nature of Gomez’s game could be required at Old Trafford.
Seeing as Henderson is still doubtful for this one, Can and Lucas alongside Milner will be the most solid trio that Rodgers can field this weekend.
Up top, with Coutinho suspended, Danny Ings could provide a highly intensive work rate and, more importantly, an attacking partner for Christian Benteke to work beside.
Roberto Firmino playing between the lines could be the creative catalyst that the two strikers need to do some damage against United’s defence.
James Smith: (4-3-3) Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Gomez; Lucas Can, Milner; Firmino, Benteke, Ibe
This team is based upon the assumption that Henderson and Lallana are out. I wouldn’t put Moreno in just yet as whilst Gomez may not be as offensively sound, that’s not a priority at Old Trafford.
Firmino left, Ibe right; Can pushing forward with Lucas protecting. Benteke could prove to be too much for United if on his game and a win is more than doable. Perfect game to bounce back from an awful Anfield result too.
Sam Davies: (4-3-3) Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Lucas, Can, Milner; Ibe, Benteke, Firmino
The international break came at an ideal time after suffering a big defeat. Although we were really poor defensively, I think that prior to playing West Ham the same back four have been OK, and we need to keep that consistency of the same players playing to stand any chance of improving.
Lucas did a splendid job at Arsenal and there’s no reason why he won’t so the same against United. The absence of Philippe Coutinho is going to be a huge one and he couldn’t have missed a more crucial game. Firmino will get his first taste of a Liverpool v Man United game for that reason and although I think Jordon Ibe has been poor and has shown his inexperience, he could well kick start his season against LVG’s side especially given their defensive vulnerabilities.
Your Liverpool XI, Archie Williams-Mills: (4-1-2-1-2) Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Gomez; Lucas; Milner, Can; Firmino; Benteke, Ings
I’ve chosen this team for various reasons. Firstly, Sakho in for Lovren sort of explains itself after his horror show against West Ham – he’s simply not good enough.
I’ve opted for Gomez over Moreno as it is at Old Trafford and we will be attacked, and in my opinion Gomez is more solid defensively than Moreno.
The diamond in midfield will not only subdue the threat posed by Herrera, Fellaini etc., with Hendo probably out I feel Can has merited his place in the side – he proved it this week starting both games for Germany.
Finally, with two up top I feel it poses a threat to United’s shaky defence – with Smalling being tasked with marking Benteke due to his physical presence, Blind will be matched with Ings (if Blind starts).
Ings is the type of player who loves running in behind and doesn’t stop chasing, something Blind will have a lot of problems with.
