Our writers select their starting lineups for the big game at Anfield
Ian Doyle, Gakpo, and Henderson are set to return.
Manchester United, a bitter rival in the North West, travel down the East Lancs Road this afternoon.
And I’d make a couple alterations to the Liverpool starting lineup. But not by a long shot.
One would be at left-back, where Andy Robertson is expected to return. He joins a defense that includes center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Jordan Henderson replaces Harvey Elliott in midfield, and another player comes in. Fabinho continues to anchor the show, with Stefan Bajcetic providing enthusiasm.
In attack, Cody Gakpo replaces Diogo Jota in the center, with Darwin Nunez on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right.
The bench appears to be in good condition.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
The door is open for the Reds, according to Paul Gorst.
So far, Liverpool’s weekend results could not have gone any better. Defeats for both Tottenham and Newcastle have pushed the Reds closer to a top-four finish, and Jurgen Klopp has the chance to turn a good week into a brilliant one today at home against Manchester United.
United are perhaps flying as high as they have been since Alex Ferguson’s departure 10 years ago, but Klopp’s Liverpool have a superb home record against their ancient rival.
Midfield is always a source of anxiety for Klopp. I expect Stefan Bajcetic to get the nod, and a much-improved Fabinho to be assigned to patrol the center of the field. The key question is who will fill the third position. Harvey Elliott was impressive against Wolves, but this one could go to the skipper, Jordan Henderson.
Andy Robertson replaces Kostas Tsimikas as left back, but the rest of the back five is unchanged. After his recent return to fitness, Ibrahima Konate requires a continuous run in the team.
Up front, the question is if Diogo Jota is fit enough to put in another exhausting shift after starting the games against Crystal Palace and Wolves after such a long layoff. I’m naming the Portuguese international alongside Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah if he has another 70 minutes in him.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Bajcetic, Henderson; Salah, Jota, Nunez; Salah, Jota, Nunez.
Maintain faith in the young midfielder, Theo Squires.
Jurgen Klopp faces some difficult decisions ahead of Liverpool’s latest must-win match against Manchester United, following an improved performance in the 2-0 victory against Wolves.
Kostas Tsimikas performed admirably in midweek, but it would be surprising if he maintained his lead over Andy Robertson. The remaining back five is unchanged, with Ibrahima Konate’s comeback last Wednesday providing a welcome boost.
Klopp took a risk by starting teenagers Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic alongside Fabinho in midweek, but it paid off. Obviously, Manchester United are more intimidating, and there is an argument for bringing in more experience, but I’d be tempted to stick with it, especially given how effectively the Brazilian performed in between younger legs.
In attack, Diogo Jota drops to the bench after starting the last two games following a long-term injury, with Cody Gakpo recalled down the middle in his place.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
Henderson is at the right time, according to Keifer MacDonald.
After winning three of their past four Premier League games and keeping four clean sheets, there isn’t much for Jurgen Klopp to change ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
In defense, Alisson remains in goal, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk line up in front of him, as the pair is rewarded for a convincing performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains in the starting lineup, but Andy Robertson replaces Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
The duel in the middle of the Anfield turf, as usual, is where the Liverpool manager makes the most important decision. After naming a relatively young partnership of Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic in midweek, Erik ten Hag’s side’s trip on Merseyside is an appropriate opportunity to welcome Jordan Henderson back into the XI. The Reds captain, who will line up with Bajcetic and Fabinho, will be crucial in limiting Marcus Rashford’s impact on the game.
In attack, Mohamed Salah retains his starting spot as he attempts to overtake Robbie Fowler as Liverpool’s all-time Premier League goal-scorer, with only two goals required to dethrone the Anfield great.
Darwin Nunez will face up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left side of the attack. While Cody Gakpo, who will face Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, will provide Klopp’s team with a more muscular presence down the middle.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
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