It has been a see-saw ride for Liverpool in the league so far. Just three wins courtesy of quality attacking football combined with four frustrating draws and two humiliating defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Tottenham have left Liverpool stranded on the ninth spot on the Premier League table which, according to their manager Jurgen Klopp, is no more than what they deserve. Jurgen Klopp’s men need to get their act together soon if they are serious about challenging for the title.
On the Champions League front, things have improved after they followed up on the two frustrating scoring draws against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow with a 7-0 thrashing of Maribor. Klopp’s men played some relentless football to register the Red’s first Champions League group stage win of the season.
They are currently in the first position in the table tied on points with Spartak Moscow but way ahead on goal difference after routing Maribor.
However, if we are to put aside the Maribor extravaganza, it has been most frustrating for Klopp and his boys this season when it has come to closing matches to pick up all three points. 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 in the league.
With Sadio Mane’s injury, Liverpool will have to do without the winger up until the next international break at least but Klopp has enough attacking reinforcement to replace the Senegalese.Philippe Coutinho’s participation has also been cast into some doubt with Klopp unsure about the Brazilian’s recovery from an adductor injury last week. 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 Huddersfield Town:
Defence:
Simon Mignolet is expected to be replaced by Loris Karius in goal for Liverpool after last week’s horror show.
Joel Matip is expected to lose Dejan Lovren as his partner at the centre of the defence and will gain Ragnar Klavan instead, for the weekend clash. While Alberto Moreno is expected to start at left back, Nathaniel Clyne’s injury has left the right back position vacated and Joe Gomez will be expected to retain his spot down at right back.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can is expected to man the Liverpool midfield and it will be down to them to create a base for Liverpool’s attackers to flourish
Attack:
Roberto Firmino will be expected to lead the line with Mohamed Salah on the right wing and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain getting a start on the left. This is how they might line up:
