Liverpool will kick off Matchday 22 with a home game against Swansea City. The Reds have seen their momentum getting stifled in recent weeks which has coincided with the initial absence of Coutinho and then the departure of Sadio Mane to the AFCON. Jurgen Klopp made a slightly controversial decision as he selected two understrength teams for his fixtures against Plymouth in the FA Cup which led to some cynics pointing out his supposed disinterest towards the domestic cups.
But they did manage to scrape through and he will feel somewhat vindicated. After draws against Sunderland and Manchester United, the game against Swansea City is a perfect opportunity for them to get back to winning ways. Klopp can call upon Coutinho from the start now and he is likely to be a huge boost, especially in Sadio Mane’s absence. The defence has been a talking point for them but the likes of Lovren and Klavan will be confident of keeping out the struggling Swans.
Liverpool are meanwhile embroiled in a distracting tussle with Cameroon over a dispute regarding Joel Matip. The Anfield side would love to get the mess sorted as a fit and excellent player being unable to play must really be frustrating for them.
Liverpool must ensure that they avoid any sort of slip-ups in this match, having dropped points against points lower down in the table already.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI VS SWANSEA CITY (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Mignolet’s privilege as the No.1 in the league is unlikely to be challenged for the time being. He will look to keep a clean sheet and gain some much-needed confidence from the match.
Clyne will be at right-back considering he gets fit in time. Lovren and Klavan are likely to line-up at centre-back once again with the situation regarding Matip still unclear. James Milner is the obvious choice at left-back and he will look to spend the majority of the match in the opposition half.
MIDFIELD
Liverpool’s midfield 3 will likely be enough to dominate the fragile Swansea City midfield and the initial line of defence. Can might have to wait for a while to get another chance in the starting line-up and Henderson is likely to be flanked by Wijnaldum and Lallana in a slightly advanced area.
ATTACK
Coutinho is likely to start and will be on the left-hand side of the front three while Sturridge can be on the opposite side although some might prefer Origi’s industry while Firmino will again be in the False 9 role.
