Liverpool weren’t at their greatest in opposition to Sheffield United however prevailed within the second half at Anfield after Alexis Mac Allister impressed his title-chasing aspect to victory.
Now, Jurgen Klopp’s aspect face a problem of a special nature as they journey to Previous Trafford to face an injury-hit Manchester United workforce to remain forward within the Premier League title race.
The Reds had been defeated in opposition to United within the FA Cup quarter-finals a number of weeks again however will likely be decided to avenge their loss and keep forward of Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis in an enthralling three-horse title race.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic are approaching returns from harm however stay sidelined for this one. Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are nonetheless long-term absentees.
Klopp fielded a stronger beginning XI than many anticipated in opposition to the Blades on Thursday and, as such, would possibly solely make the 2 modifications on the Theatre of Goals.
1
GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
It received’t be lengthy till Alisson is match as soon as once more and able to reclaim his beginning spot between the sticks for Liverpool. Whereas the Brazilian is arguably the perfect goalkeeper on the planet, Caoimhin Kelleher hasn’t carried out a half-bad job in his absence.
The Republic of Eire worldwide will make his eighth successive Premier League look in opposition to the Crimson Devils and he will likely be anticipated to impress as per.
2
RB – Joe Gomez
Conor Bradley has been unbelievable since correctly bursting onto the scene in January however the 20-year-old was caught out on the break a couple of occasions in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion final weekend and Joe Gomez would possibly simply be the higher choice.
The recently-recalled England worldwide is the entire package deal and has been so spectacular this season, together with his expertise and composure arguably what is required to subdue Erik ten Hag’s aspect.
3
CB – Ibrahima Konate
Fears of one other harm for Ibrahima Konate, shortly after Bradley’s personal objective, have been allayed and the France worldwide ought to retain his place forward of Jarell Quansah.
4
CB – Virgil van Dijk
The efficiency of Virgil van Dijk will likely be crucial to Liverpool’s probabilities of success in opposition to Manchester United, however he is aware of the drill.
Imperious within the air, steely on the bottom and commanding over his troops, the skipper will likely be assured of beating down the hosts’ attacking advances.
5
LB – Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson lofted in from the touchline to satisfy Cody Gakpo’s head and ensure victory in opposition to Chris Wilder’s males. He’s had his issues this season however the Scotland captain is likely one of the most interesting left-backs in Premier League historical past and will likely be determined to carry the Reds one step nearer to the title.
6
DM – Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo picked up a knock in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion final weekend and missed out in opposition to Wilder’s struggling aspect on Thursday, however he’ll return this weekend to anchor the midfield.
Industrious and intelligent, the Japan worldwide will fortunately put in a shift to permit his forward-placed teammates to interrupt down the United backline.
7
CM – Dominik Szoboszlai
Perhaps Dominik Szoboszlai isn’t fairly on the early stage of efficiency that arrested the awe of Liverpool supporters worldwide, however he’s nonetheless a darn good midfielder and has injected a lot high quality, type and swagger right into a midfield that had sunk into the abyss.
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Dominik Szoboszlai: Premier League 23/24 Stats |
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|---|---|
|
Stat |
# |
|
Matches performed |
25 |
|
Matches began |
23 |
|
Targets |
3 |
|
Assists |
2 |
|
Cross completion |
88% |
|
Photographs per recreation |
2.0 |
|
Key passes per recreation |
1.8 |
|
Tackles per recreation |
1.2 |
|
Ball recoveries per recreation |
6.2 |
|
Stats through Sofascore |
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Curtis Jones will likely be itching for a begin after returning off the bench from harm a number of days in the past, however he will likely be launched within the later part, together with his slick, clever passing controlling and calming what is going to hopefully be a successful Liverpool aspect.
8
CM – Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister is sort of good at soccer. His objective in opposition to the Blades was fairly good. Signed for simply £35m final summer season, he’s proved to be probably the most impactful, influential acquisitions underneath Klopp’s steering.
With Endo again, the 2022 World Cup winner will shift again right into a No. 8 place, knocking Ryan Gravenberch – who was handed a 5/10 match ranking by the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle on Thursday – to the bench.
Gravenberch is a gifted participant however his perceived lack of workrate in defensive and outdoors phases wants work. He has beforehand been described as a “passenger out of possession” by journalist Danny Corcoran.
9
RW – Mohamed Salah
A disgruntled Mohamed Salah trudged off the pitch after the hour mark with Liverpool drawing in opposition to the bottom-placed Premier League membership, however Klopp was merely resting his talisman forward of an almighty conflict in opposition to Manchester United.
The factor about Salah is it doesn’t matter if he performs effectively, if he drifts outdoors the passage of play. He’s a lethal attacking drive and has 22 objectives and 13 assists from 34 matches in all competitions this time period.
The 31-year-old additionally has a exceptional document in opposition to tomorrow’s opposition, with 13 objectives and 4 assists from 14 fixtures.
10
LW – Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz grabbed a fortuitous help as a clearance ricochetted off his individual following a clearance, touchdown on the runway forward of Mac Allister, who launched a cannon-fired strike into the again of the web.
Nonetheless, the Colombian has been terrific after overcoming a sluggish begin to the season and is so influential on the left flank, electrical and efficient.
11
CF – Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez scored a fairly unusual objective to open the scoring in opposition to Sheffield United within the week, charging down goalkeeper Ivo Grbic’s clearance to rebound the ball into the web.
Actually, it’s an illustration of the tenacity and never-give-up mentality that has allowed Nunez to beat the adversity of a testing first yr on Merseyside to flourish as Liverpool chase down titles.
Predicted Liverpool line-up in full vs Man Utd: (GK) Caoimhin Kelleher; (RB) Joe Gomez, (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Andy Robertson; (DM) Wataru Endo, (CM) Dominik Szoboszlai, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (LW) Luis Diaz, (CF) Darwin Nunez
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Klopp’s Reds made life troublesome however obtained the job carried out within the Premier League at Anfield.
