Predicted Liverpool team for trip to Manchester City: Three changes expected for massive title clash
Following a fantastic run of form, the predicted Liverpool team to face Manchester City could see Jurgen Klopp recall a trio of star players.
Liverpool have been in a fantastic vein of form in all competitions of late. The Reds have won their last five matches on the spin.
Each of their last three league games have resulted in 2-0 victories against Brighton, Arsenal and Watford. Indeed, they also put in good performances in the FA Cup and Champions League during their five-game winning streak.
Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the FA Cup quarter final, and beat Benfica 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarters.
Klopp mentioned that all of his players were fit ahead of the possible title decider against City. Furthermore, the German acknowledged that it is a “very important” game, and therefore some of his selections in midweek could point to changes for Sunday’s clash.
Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota – the latter pair being subbed on – were rested for the Benfica game. Indeed, Klopp may well have been conserving their energy for the crucial league fixture.
Last time out – Benfica 1-3 Liverpool
Alisson started in net, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate getting the nod at centre-half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson started in the full-back positions – the latter provided an assist from a corner.
The midfield trio was Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Naby Keita, who also assisted.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz were the front three – the latter pair both got on the scoresheet.
Predicted Liverpool team against Manchester City
Given the importance of the game, Klopp will no doubt want to field as strong of a team as possible.
Alisson is certain to remain in net, but Matip, who was rested midweek, should return to partner Van Dijk.
Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will likely be tasked with keeping City’s wide players at bay from the full-back positions. They will also once again be Liverpool’s main creative outlets.
Skipper Henderson could return after being rested, and may play with Fabinho and Thiago whose calmness and composure in tight areas may be required against City.
Star players Salah and Mane should flank the returning Jota. Luis Diaz scored against Benfica, but his 90 minute outing would suggest Klopp always had it in mind the Colombian would drop to the bench at the Etihad.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane
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