Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday and if the Reds fail to pick up a win then they will drift six points away from the top of the table.
On one hand, Liverpool are undefeated in their last 46 home matches while Man United have been in stellar form away from home this season so it will be a battle of strengths for both the sides.
The Anfield outfit any day are a more superior side but Jurgen Klopp has a number of injury concerns to deal with and most of the missing players happen to be midfielders and defenders. Man United boast one of the strongest forward lines in the whole of Europe and if Martial and Rashford are allowed to find their feet in the match they could tear Liverpool’s back line to shreds.
Klopp made a few changes to his starting XI vs Aston Villa during their 4-1 FA Cup win but he will revert back to his strongest XI on Sunday.
Liverpool team news vs Man United:
Kelleher started in goal vs Villa but Alisson Becker will come back into the side but the main problem for Jurgen Klopp could be his defensive line.
Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will reprise their roles as the respective full-backs and with Van Dijk and Joe Gomez out injured, midfielder Fabinho will start in central defence.
Joel Matip is facing a race against time to be fit before Sunday and till Wednesday, he did not feature in training with the first-team squad.
If Matip is not available for selection then Klopp will hopefully deploy Jordan Henderson in central defence instead of using a youngster against players like Martial and Cavani.
The return of Thiago is a great boost for the Liverpool boss and the former Bayern man will start in midfield alongside Wijnaldum. If Henderson plays at centre-back then Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to come into the side – playing on the right side of midfield.
Naby Keita is pretty close to full fitness and there’s a chance he can find a place on the bench this weekend.
Mane and Salah both played vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup and will once again start in attack on Sunday. Firmino was rested for that game as Minamino played on the left flank. The Brazilian will return to the starting line-up vs Man United.
Diogo Jota remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from a knee injury.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Man United:
Possible Starting XI: Alisson; Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson/Williams, Fabinho; Thiago, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Mane, Firmino, Salah.
