Liverpool have bottled big time against Leeds and Newcastle United ahead of traveling to Old Trafford to lock horns with bitter rivals Manchester United. The Reds still have an outside chance to make it to the ‘top four ‘ but must ensure a victory against the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon. United, on the other hand, staged a stunning comeback versus Roma in the Europa League semifinal. They are unbeaten at home against the Merseysiders since suffering a 3-0 defeat seven years ago during David Moyes’ regime and this outrageous Premier League insight is likely to be extended unless the depleted Reds script an upset this weekend.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup To Face Manchester United
Defence
Alisson Becker is likely to have a busy outing between the sticks against the flair and finesse of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani. The makeshift Liverpool defence must step up and deliver a headstrong display to salvage something from this stern contest.
Jurgen Klopp must be dejected with Nat Phillips’ injury who brought back some stability in the heart of the backline. The Englishman is still nursing a hamstring strain and is expected to miss the Manchester trip. Fabinho would slot in the deep defensive line alongside Ozan Kabak with Ben Davies being a forgotten figure already since completing a winter transfer from Preston North End. Trent Alexander-Arnold must concentrate more on his defensive duties, whereas Andrew Robertson needs to work on his final deliveries from the left-hand flank.
Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are back on the training pitch in order to regain full fitness following long injury layoffs.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson, too, is ruled out for the rest of the season. Young Curtis Jones has only returned from a brief injury spell, also highly-rated Naby Keita is not yet in the manager’s plan due to his persistent fitness problems. Klopp should bank on veteran James Milner for his enormous experience and sheer commitment, however, contract rebel Georginio Wijnaldum has to step up his game before parting ways this summer. Thiago Alcântara should not have been taken off versus the Magpies and his expertise of the highest order must be utilized in the middle of the park.
Attack
Liverpool missed an array of golden opportunities to put the Newcastle game to bed. Their ‘fabulous four’ failed to find the net since Mohamed Salah’s early opener and a deflected late strike from Joe Willock punished them hard. Salah, meanwhile, should keep his place down the right-hand flank, but the dismal run of form should see Sadio Mane making way for Diogo Jota from the left. Roberto Firmino has been a shadow of his earlier self, but the Brazilian’s work rate and moments of masterclass might make a difference against the odds.
