Liverpool are flying high in Europe as they secured a 2-0 win against Inter Milan at San Siro in the first leg tie of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 contest. However, the Reds are now back in Merseyside ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash versus Norwich City.
Although the Canaries have shown some improvement of late under Dean Smith, Liverpool have dominated this fixture over the years including a couple of meetings already so far this campaign. Norwich lost 3-0 at Carrow Road on both occasions (Premier League and EFL Cup) and the Reds are aiming for more as they have two Anfield contests lined up (Premier League and FA Cup) within the next fortnight.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup To Face Norwich City
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher was spectacular back in September when these two sides locked horns in the Third Round of the League Cup. But the young Irishman would remain as the understudy to Alisson Becker given the latter’s exquisite form in recent outings.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a difficult time against Ivan Perisic on Wednesday night, but his marauding runs, attacking flair, cut insides, crosses and set-piece attributes make him one of Europe’s most prolific fullbacks. Joel Matip might return to partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the backline, whereas Jurgen Klopp should give a nod to Kostas Tsimikas down the left resting Andrew Robertson.
Midfield
Liverpool have no major injury problem in the squad with all their midfielders available for selection. The manager has the luxury of rotating his options but should stick with Fabinho who has been a revelation in the ‘number 6’ role. Skipper Jordan Henderson changed the game since coming on as a second-half substitute against the Serie A champions and therefore, might be handed a start on Saturday afternoon. Naby Keita, too, enjoyed an impressive cameo and the Guinean deserves a place in the starting XI ahead of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, James Milner or Thiago.
Attack
Diogo Jota was taken off at halftime due to a knock and the gaffer must not rush his recovery by selecting him for the Norwich tie. Roberto Firmino is back among goals and should spearhead the attack in the absence of the Portuguese sensation. Luis Diaz looked stunning against both Leicester City and Inter Milan, and the Reds’ January signing must grab a place down the left replacing Sadio Mane. Mohamed Salah blanked in his last two Premier League games but is desperate to increase the margin in the Golden Boot race.
