LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 13, 2016: Liverpool's Joe Allen celebrates scoring the third equalising goal against Arsenal during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Reds to be unchanged – Predicting Liverpool’s XI vs. Man United

We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his team for the visit of rivals Man United on Sunday afternoon.

Klopp experiences his first taste of English football’s biggest game as Louis van Gaal’s side arrive at a hostile Anfield for the much anticipated rivals clash.

The German welcomed back some important players in midweek and is set to have a similar squad at his disposal for United’s visit.

But after a big collective effort from all who featured in the Arsenal draw, Klopp could introduce fresh legs with the Reds looking to force their way into the top four race.

 

Team News

  • Klopp still missing some key men but stronger squad available again
  • Lovren and Sturridge ruled out with the duo not ready to feature
  • Skrtel and Coutinho still sidelined with hamstring injuries
  • Origi unavailable after undergoing knee surgery
  • Reds could remain unchanged with little option to change
  • Henderson fit to continue midfield partnership with Can
  • Firmino in line to lead Reds attack again after brace in midweek
  • Caulker could come in for Toure however to provide younger legs
  • Allen also pushing for start after goalscoring impact in midweek
  • Lucas also an option to enter midfield
  • Benteke hopeful of recall after assist from the bench vs. Arsenal

 

Liverpool’s XI

With squad depth still in short supply and little room for manoeuvre, Klopp could name the same XI that started the breathless 3-3 draw against the Gunners.

After scoring only one goal fewer than managed across the last six games against Arsenal, there’s no reason to alter the attacking set-up, while keeping with the same defence and midfield would allow for some consistency and combinations to develop for upcoming games.

An unchanged team against United would see Liverpool line up like this at Anfield:

unchanged

But after an exhausting game on a heavy Anfield pitch on Wednesday, Klopp could introduce fresh legs to his side and a change of shape.

Toure’s potential struggle to make two starts in quick succession could see Caulker start alongside Sakho, while Allen’s impressive impact and goal could see the Welshman handed a start.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 13, 2016: Liverpool's new signing Steven Caulker in action against Arsenal during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ibe – who endured a mixed night in the goal-fest – should be the man to make way for the Wales midfielder, who could play in a three man midfield with Henderson and Can, allowing Milner to play in the three man attack with Lallana and Firmino.

Those changes to shape and personnel would see the Reds line up like this come 2:05pm kick-off time:

United 4-3-3

With the chance to take a giant step in the race for fourth place, Klopp’s side must hold their nerve and produce a positive result as they look to fire themselves into genuine Champions League contention.

LIVERPOOL v MAN UTD

WATCH: Klopp’s pre-match press conference

INJURY UPDATE: Klopp on who is available

QUOTES: Firmino and Lucas on the United match

PREMIER LEAGUE: Full preview of all the games this weekend