Liverpool narrowly went past Huddersfield by one goal and kept the pressure on Manchester City who are leading the Premier League table on goal difference. Jurgen Klopp’s men have struggled to go past their opponents this season, but they would take three points all day long no matter how they come.
Next, they would host Premier League’s new entrants Cardiff City who are coming on the back of their first win of the season against fellow promoted team Fulham. Liverpool would certainly be one of the sternest tests Neil Warnock is going to face this season, and one doesn’t see the Bluebirds coming away with anything from this game.
However, football is a funny game and maybe Cardiff would be able to find a chink in Liverpool’s armour. The Reds’ front three are yet to hit full form and this game could be a good chance for them to start showing last season’s form.
Team News
Jordan Henderson is going to be out of this clash as he was substituted at halftime against Huddersfield Town. Naby Keita is also struggling with a hamstring problem since the international break and the Guinean midfielder could undergo a late fitness test on matchday. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain continues to be a long-term absentee.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup vs Cardiff City
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker might not be required too much on the day, but his contribution has been vital as he makes those one or two saves which have kept Liverpool’s lead intact. Dejan Lovren and Virgil van Dijk are the likely starters in the centre back role as the Croatian was rested in the last game. Some fans are unhappy that Klopp has broken the partnership of Gomez and Van Dijk but Lovren hasn’t fared too badly.
Klopp has preferred Joe Gomez as a right back in the last two Premier League games, but we believe the manager can go in with a more attacking option in Trent Alexander Arnold. He should start as the right back. Down the left side of the defence, Andy Robertson is a guaranteed starter.
Midfield
We expect James Milner to start from the beginning after he was given a rest midweek in the Champions League clash. Georginio Wijnaldum is also a guaranteed starter as Henderson and Keita are doubtful for this match. We have seen Klopp deploy the much attacking Xherdan Shaqiri in games against the lesser teams and the Swiss international would provide the creative impetus from midfield.
Forward
Sadio Mane recovered from his thumb issue and was part of the Champions League tie midweek and we expect him to start down the left. Mohamed Salah has found the back of the net three times in the last two games but his form still looks a bit patchy. He should start down the right.
Daniel Sturridge has done well so far, and we believe the Englishman might get the nod ahead of the Brazilian Firmino as he started the Champions League tie against Red Star Belgrade.
