Liverpool will clash heads with Manchester City when the FA Community Shield gets underway at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. The Reds come into this game at the back of a 3-1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday evening. The Citizens had a bit more time to prepare for this match after they saw off Yokohama FM’s challenge with a 3-1 scoreline last weekend.
It could be an important encounter for both sides as they look to deal each other an early psychological blow before the 2019-20 Premier League campaign kicks off next week. Jurgen Klopp is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 set-up as he tries to match up with Pep Guardiola who might also go for the same formation this Sunday.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Alisson Becker will start in between the sticks for the Reds despite making an error against Lyon in midweek which led to Memphis Depay scoring from the penalty spot. The Brazilian keeper will look to get back to form and put in a solid shift against the Citizens this Sunday.
Both Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk will resume their centre-half partnership at the heart of the Liverpool defence. The defensive duo will try to bully the Man City attackers while hoping to neutralise their effectiveness. Trent Alexander-Arnold will once again feature as the right-back as he hopes to whip in some dangerous crosses from the wide areas. Andrew Robertson will fill in at the left-back position looking to create a few chances in the opposition half.
There is no denying that the Reds would need to keep things tidy defensively if they are to grind out a positive result against their Mancunian opponents this weekend. Both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren might have to settle for a spot on Klopp’s bench.
Midfield
Klopp might choose to opt for the hard-working midfield three of James Milner, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. They will look to stifle the Man City midfield by pressing them high up the pitch. The talented trio is slowly but surely coming back to form so this match could be an ideal test for them ahead of the 2019-20 Premier League season.
Naby Keita and Adam Lallana are expected to be named on the Liverpool bench and might come on during the clash if required.
Attack
Klopp has often deployed Georginio Wijnaldum on the left side of his frontline in pre-season so the Dutchman might get the nod to start on Sunday. He will be joined by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the attacking third of the pitch. They will try to link up play with each other and cause a lot of headaches for the Man City defenders.
Harry Wilson scored a wonderful goal against Lyon in midweek, but he might have to settle for a more reserved role this weekend. Both Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri will also be available at Klopp’s disposal on the Reds bench.
