Our Liverpool FC writers choose their teams for the crucial Premier League match against fierce rivals Manchester United this afternoon.
There is hope for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp anticipates Trent Alexander Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker returning to training the next week.
But none of those three will be available today, so Klopp will have to go deep again as his team looks to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Conor Bradley is replaced at right back by Joe Gomez. Although the Northern Irishman has performed brilliantly, his more seasoned teammate provides greater stability and expertise, which may be crucial. Although Ibrahima Konate is selected with Virgil van Dijk in the center, Andy Robertson, who made an outstanding impression off the bench against Sheffield United, starts on the opposite flank.
Wataru Endo makes a comeback in midfield, moving Alexis Mac Allister, who is playing well, forward to occupy one of the No. 8 spots. Despite my want to start Harvey Elliott, I’m sticking with Dominik Szoboszlai. This season, Liverpool’s midfield has been noticeably absent from United, and if they want to win a crucial three points, they must tighten things up in the engine room.
The starting lineup for the match against Sheffield United is the same. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah’s strength, speed, and technique should pose challenges for United.
The members of my squad (4-3-3) are: Kelleher; Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson.
Ian Doyle: Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah received the starting nods.
This is Jurgen Klopp’s final game in charge of Liverpool against Manchester United. And rarely, when there’s an ongoing Premier League title fight, has a trip to Old Trafford been so significant. So what is the head of the Reds to do?
Changes should be made, but not to the objective. Caoimhin Kelleher is that. Jarell Quansah can replace captain Virgil van Dijk at center back, and Joe Gomez can switch to right back to free up Andy Robertson’s spot at left back.
Wataru Endo, who was formerly a number six, is back in the middle. Alexis Mac Allister may take his place on the left, while Harvey Elliott can take over on the right side of the engine room.
Darwin Nunez is in the middle, Mohamed Salah is on the right, and Luis Diaz is on the left, therefore the top three players remain same.
My team (4-3-3): Salah, Nunez, Diaz; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Kelleher.
