It’s been a while since we’ve had a good old Liverpool vs Man Utd title race, has it?
United’s city rivals will of course have something to say about it, but this weekend all eyes will be on Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will look to reaffirm their credentials against a United side that have taken full advantage. from his recent drop to run in a lead at the top of the Premier League.
From Liverpool’s perspective, it doesn’t get much bigger than that – and here’s the lineup they are expected to roll out on Sunday afternoon.
Alisson (GK) – The Brazilian has not quite been at the top of his game this season but his availability remains absolutely central to the chances of his team to obtain a result. He will be busy against a United side who will try to cause carnage during the break.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – One of the best attacking right-backs in the business, but, as usual, when Liverpool are going through a rough patch, questions are asked about his defensive abilities – and that’s not unreasonable. Still, he loves big game masterclasses, and there are few bigger games than this one.
Fabinho (CB) – With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out for much of the season, it’s hard to see Fabinho missing from the backline too often by May. His experience and his reading of the game will be essential.
Rhys Williams (CB) – Four years later, since a certain Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Premier League debut – against Manchester United as well – Klopp’s tendency to be daring for big games prevails. With Joel Matip missing practice on Wednesday, maybe it’s time for Williams to sink or swim on the main stage.
Andy Robertson (LB) – Gone are the days, at least temporarily, when Liverpool’s back line was chosen. But hell will freeze over before Robertson willingly sits down.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – Henderson can make a change to center-back if he needs to but let’s hope we never see him again. Not because he’s bad there, but because the Liverpool midfielder just can’t do without him. The Reds need their captain in the middle of the park to hold everyone accountable, and his halftime replacement at Aston Villa suggests Klopp knows that.
Thiago (CM) – It makes a long just a few weeks from Liverpool’s perspective, but three successive appearances from Thiago hopefully indicate that his injury issues are behind him. The reach and pace of his passing has made him a dream to watch in his fleeting Anfield career and he hopes to bring his quarterback side to a huge win here.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – Wijnaldum has lost to United only once in his Premier League career – in a game he hasn’t even started. He is Liverpool’s ever-present midfielder and whatever speculation about his future may be, leaving him out would be suicidal.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – Just 13 goals in 16 appearances for Salah in the league this season. He scores goals so consistently that we have all become numb to him. Ended his hoodoo against United in this game last season and hope to build on it here.
Roberto Firmino (CF) – The Brazilian is having a pretty impressive season despite what the FIFA statistics dealers will tell you. Has started every league game this season and there is no sign that’s about to change.
Sadio Mane (LW) – A victim of his own standards, Mane may have been the most disappointing of the top three this season, but a few goals last weekend, even against a young team from Villa, will hopefully give him spring in his gait he needs to launch on.
