With Curtis Jones back, Liverpool has improved. Wataru Endō is returning for Manchester United, which presents Jürgen Klopp with a difficult midfield choice.
Liverpool’s thrilling victory over Sheffield United on Thursday night propelled them back to the top of the Premier League. The Reds appeared to be headed for a defeat at Anfield until Alexis Mac Allister let out a scream in front of the Kop.
With a late win secured by Cody Gakpo, attention can now turn to Sunday’s match against Manchester United. After United defeated Liverpool in the FA Cup last month, the team led by Jürgen Klopp will be looking for retribution at Old Trafford.
The Reds manager will have to make several important choices for the game, chief among them being where to start Curtis Jones in midfield against Sheffield United. Wataru Endō took a knock against Brighton and missed the game, but he should be well enough to play on Sunday.
Klopp also needs to make a decision regarding Mac Allister, the player of the moment. Prior to his goal in the second half against Sheffield United, he had a deeper role to begin with. After five games for his team, the Argentine has now scored four goals.
You can share your opinions in the comments box below the article, where two of our writers from Liverpool.com have shared their opinions on who ought to start in the Liverpool midfield.
According to James Findlater, “Wataru Endō is a must”
In my opinion, two names are a need when playing United. Alexis Mac Allister starts by default because, at this point in the season, he is simply too talented to even consider benching.
Wataru Endō should also be selected by Jürgen Klopp, who has stated that he will be available for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford. Of course, Mac Allister is more than capable playing at number six, but now that we’ve seen where he performs best, there’s no denying that Endo is the man who can clear his schedule.
There is only one midfield spot left, and four guys are fighting for it. Right now, Dominik Szoboszlai seems to be in control, but I would be strongly inclined to choose a different route.
I would vote for the academy graduate if Curtis Jones were back. Liverpool may finally have the cool head that was missing from them in the cup a few weeks ago thanks to his uncanny ability to hold onto the ball in the middle of the park under extreme pressure.
I wouldn’t give him more than an hour, though, considering his recent injury. The “chaos creator,” Szoboszlai, coming off the bench at that point might have a major impact.
Liam Prenderville: “Curtis Jones isn’t quite ready to start.”
Although Alexis Mac Allister has demonstrated this season that he is more than capable of playing at number six, I am a fan of Jürgen Klopp and would much rather see him in a more forward spot. This implies that Wataru Endō rejoins the team immediately if he is healthy, as anticipated.
Even if Erik ten Hag’s midfield for Manchester United has been called into doubt lately, his forwards are still incredibly dangerous. For me, it makes perfect sense to have Endō to offer some defense.
Curtis Jones made a strong comeback on Thursday night, but Liverpool will exercise caution with him following a protracted absence. Dominik Szoboszlai makes up the midfield three, so for that reason alone, I would leave him out, even though the 23-year-old is ready to contribute again off the bench.
Despite Harvey Elliott being one of the substitutes, I don’t think Ryan Gravenberch accomplished enough to earn a starting spot versus United, despite his unusual start in midweek.
