The wastefulness in front of goal led to Liverpool‘s Champions League quarterfinal exit against Real Madrid. The Merseysiders must secure a ‘top four’ league finish now to maintain their status among the European elites. A victory on Monday night against Leeds United is extremely crucial to meet the season objectives.
The Whites, meanwhile, are flying high under iconic Marcelo Bielsa as they clinched a historic 2-1 win at Etihad against Manchester City despite being a man down for the majority of the contest. They troubled Liverpool on their return to Premier League and earned plaudits last year despite a 4-3 Anfield defeat versus the reigning Champions. The depleted Reds backline would be on their toes at Elland Road to deal with Leeds United’s pace, press and relentless runs.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup To Face Leeds United
Defence
Alisson Becker had a few howlers between the sticks but is still irreplaceable for his stewardship and ball-playing ability from the last line of defence. However, the hosts would close him down quickly, and the Brazilian must not take unnecessary risks with the ball on his feet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury-time stunner secured a comeback win last weekend against Aston Villa. The right fullback was majestic versus the Blancos after an underwhelming first-leg display and should deliver another power-packed performance with timely overlapping runs and crosses.
Nat Phillips has been a revelation in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, and the young Englishman must exhibit his aerial dominance alongside Ozan Kabak in the heart of the defence. Kabak, too, has settled in well following a winter move from Schalke. The ever-present Andrew Robertson needs to uplift his game in terms of final deliveries and attacking involvement.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson is injured for the rest of the season, but the excellence of Fabinho deep down the midfield has restored stability after a torrid spell earlier this year. The Brazilian is not only screening the Reds’ rookie defence but also creating chances upfront with his passing accuracy and vision.
James Milner had a decent midweek outing, but the 35-year-old should not be risked from the start against his boyhood club. It’s time to restore Thiago Alcantara in the starting XI, whereas the work rate of Georginio Wijnaldum would once again be favoured by Jurgen Klopp despite an underwhelming Champions League encounter.
Attack
Although the dire run continues for Sadio Mane in front of goal, his trickery and cut insides might still cause menace in Leeds defence. But the gaffer must start Diogo Jota ahead of Roberto Firmino as the latter has failed to justify the ‘number 9’ role for quite some time now. Mohamed Salah is in the hunt for his third Premier League golden boot and would look to fire in a few more in a potential ‘goals galore’.
