Liverpool have had an excellent start to the season but the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City are also neck and neck, and the Reds can’t afford to slip up if they are to win their first domestic league title in more than two decades. They will travel to John Smith’s Stadium to take on Huddersfield Town who are waiting for their first win of the season. On paper, the tie looks to be lopsided in favour of the visiting team, but the Terriers do have it in them to spring up a surprise or two.
Liverpool have had some bad news during the international break as the likes of Naby Keita, Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane all sustained some minor injuries. Most of them though would be expected to be fit enough for this away tie.
Liverpool’s Predicted Lineup vs Huddersfield
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker has been the undisputed no.1 in goal for the Merseyside outfit, and the Brazilian has rescued his side on quite a few occasions. Van Dijk was sent back early from the international break, and Ronald Koeman confirmed that he should be fit in time for the weekend clash. The big centre-half should start in defence. England international Joe Gomez should be his likely partner even though Dejan Lovren did exceedingly well in his first start of the season against Manchester City.
Trent Alexander Arnold was dropped in the last game in favour of Gomez as Klopp wanted someone more defensively solid for the right-back role. Against Huddersfield, the youngster should get his place back. Andy Robertson will start in his usual left-back position.
Midfield
Fabinho is still waiting for his first start in Liverpool colours, and we believe this game against Huddersfield could be the perfect opportunity for Klopp to thrust him in the playing eleven. He should start in the defensive midfield role.
James Milner was substituted early due to a hamstring issue against Manchester City but the international break came at the right time, and the Englishman has seemingly recovered from that. Therefore he should be in the midfield three. Georginio Wijnaldum was fantastic in the game against Germany, and he has been a revelation for the Reds so far. Having sat out the last game against Belgium, the Dutch midfielder should be relatively fresh and raring to start for Liverpool to complete the midfield three.
Forward
Sadio Mane has broken his thumb, and we are not sure whether he would be able to play in such conditions. So we think Roberto Firmino could be pushed down the left-hand side. Xherdan Shaqiri has shown what he is capable of in limited appearances and the Swiss international should start from the right flank. Mohamed Salah who is struggling for form of late should lead the line in this game.
