Three exciting wins combined with three frustrating draws and one humiliating defeat at the hands of Manchester City has left Liverpool stranded on the seventh spot on the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp’s men went into the last international break after a resounding 4-0 thrashing of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal but since, have followed it up with just one win and two defeats in seven matches.
What has been most frustrating for Klopp and his boys is that despite playing entertaining football, his side has failed capitalize on their chances and a combined effect of missing chances and substandard defending has seen Liverpool held to four frustrating draws.
Liverpool come up against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United this weekend. While the historic rivals are expected to continue their old rivalry at Anfield, United can be considered slight favourites given that they are yet to lose this season and have plundered in 21 goals in seven matches (just behind Manchester City’s 22) whereas Liverpool have not found any fix to the leaky defence problem they are suffering from and have not even been able to break into the top 4.
With Sadio Mane’s injury, Liverpool will have to do without the winger for the big match but Klopp has enough attacking reinforcement to replace the Senegalese. Liverpool will also have to cope without long-term injury absentees in the form of Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne.
Predicted 4-3-3 line up against Manchester United
Defence:
Simon Mignolet is expected to keep his position in goal for Liverpool.
Joel Matip is expected to team up with Dejan Lovren at the centre of the defence and the duo will have a tough job on hand keeping Romelu Lukaku out.
While Alberto Moreno is expected to start at left back, Nathaniel Clyne’s injury has vacated the right back position. Despite starting last time around, Joe Gomez is expected to lose his place to the experienced James Milner as Klopp will look to shore up his defence.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can is expected to man the Liverpool midfield and they will have to battle hard for every ball to stop the likes of Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan from creating a ruckus in the Liverpool half.
Attack:
Although fit again, Daniel Sturridge is expected to lose out his place to Roberto Firmino with Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho likely to flank the Brazilian forward.
This is how they might line up:
