Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Man Utd as Klopp faces Alexander-Arnold dilemma

Liverpool will play their fierce rivals Manchester United today in an attempt to wrap up two straight weekends atop the Premier League standings. The Reds are strong favorites to defeat United at Anfield after destroying them 7-0 in their previous meeting in March, but the visitors will be looking to pull off a major upset. Express Sport examines the possible lineup that Jurgen Klopp might choose this afternoon.

Alisson Caoimhin Kelleher, the goalkeeper, participated in Liverpool’s last Europa League match on Thursday, a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, but he won’t be starting in goal today. Alisson, who wasn’t included in the traveling team for that game, will take back the gloves.

The Brazilian will be hoping to avoid conceding a point at Anfield for the seventh time in a row when they play United. Only four of his 14 Premier League shutouts this season have occurred at Anfield, where he is now enjoying a run of three straight clean sheets at L4.

Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, and Tsimikas in defense

Similar like Alisson, captain Virgil van Dijk chose to stay on Merseyside instead of traveling to Belgium. With Joel Matip possibly out for the remainder of the season, he will start at center back with Ibrahima Konate at his side.

Kostas Tsimikas did not play any minutes in Europe so will be asked to help Diaz threaten Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka down the left-hand side. It has been suggested due to injuries that Trent Alexander-Arnold might start as the deepest-lying midfielder here with Joe Gomez at right-back.

However, the native of the area, who has played a significant role in Liverpool’s impressive recent run, should start the game in his customary hybrid role of starting at right back and shifting infield when in possession. Gomez will then be available for selection by Klopp if he wants to change things up.

Midfield: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Endo
As mentioned, Klopp has a bit of a problem in the middle of the field. His preferred holding midfielder this season, Alexis Mac Allister, isn’t playing, which is why. However, Alexander-Arnold ought to start at right-back, forcing the German to choose between Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Curtis Jones for the No. 6 spot.

Endo should be selected because the Japanese ball-playing destroyer was substituted off at halftime in the Europa League in what appeared to be a prearranged move. Jones played a full ninety minutes in Belgium, therefore Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, who just got back from vacation, might be the two starting eighth players.

Jones and Elliott are Klopp’s game-changing bench additions after that. In addition to Mac Allister, the Reds are regrettably still without the elegant tandem of Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara because of injuries.

Attack: Nunez, Diaz, and Salah
When United last visited Anfield, Cody Gakpo scored twice while playing 90 minutes in Europe. That implies that the Dutchman, who didn’t really stand out against USG, could have to make do with a spot on the bench for now. It is best for Luis Diaz to begin on the left.

Darwin Nunez scored two goals in the previous match as well. Despite having seven goals and seven assists in 23 games so far this season, he has now gone nine games without a point, five of which have come from starts, and he will be eager to break that streak here.

After breaking his record of 200 goals for Liverpool, Salah—who was also spared the trip in midweek—will be looking to keep punishing United. In his career, he has scored 12 goals in 12 games and four assists against the Red Devils, more than any other team. In only the last two matches at Anfield, he has contributed seven goals.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man Utd (4-3-3):

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz