After facing a very inconsistent start to their new campaign, the Merseyside club, Liverpool, will finally be playing their first home game of the season. This time around, they will be welcoming the defending champions Leicester City, who too had a tough start to their campaign.
The reds started their campaign on a high note, as they out-numbered the Emirates outfit Arsenal, but failed to replicate the same for against the lowly Burnley side and then went on to play a 1-1 draw against the Lilly-Whites, Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds are facing many injuries issues since the beginning of the campaign and that has affected the side some way or the other.
Furthermore, Leicester City started their defence with a defeat against the newly promoted Premier League side Hull City, then played a 0-0 draw at the King Power stadium against Arsenal, then finally managed to grab a victory as they defeated Swansea by two goals to one.
Liverpool, this time around, will be hoping to mark a victory in front of their home fans, but Leicester are expected to give a tough fight, to say the least, and looking at the injury woes, the game will be an interesting one. So, here is the predicted lineup for Liverpool, that can give the defending champions a run for their money.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet-
The Belgian shot-stopper has been guarding the post for the team since day one (of the new season) as Karius has been facing the sidelines due to injury. The former Mainz man has now started his regular training, but it is understood that Mignolet will be retaining his spot.
Defence: Clyne; Lovren; Matip; Milner-
The right back spot will surely be occupied by the English international, Nathaniel Clyne. The 25-year-old is yet to hit top form this season, but this would be his perfect venue to assert his authority on the ground.
The centre back pairing is understood to be the same of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip. The duo featured in the game against Tottenham last time and will have to be on their toes as the players like Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater will be looking to exploit them from any spot.
Furthermore, James Milner might retain his spot as Alberto Moreno has completely lost his spot in the lineup. Though he is not the natural left back, but he surely is an upgrade for Alberto Moreno.
Midfield Trio: Henderson; Wijnaldum; Lallana-
Liverpool’s first choice defensive midfielder, Emre Can, remained in Liverpool during the international break after pulling out of the Germany squad that beat Finland and Norway 2-0 and 3-0 respectively. But reports suggest Can has failed to recover sufficiently and missed training on Tuesday. And in that case, the manager might use Jordan Henderson. The Englishman has been heavily criticised for his form, but with no real options available, he will be the one on the field.
Furthermore, the central area of the park will most probably be occupied by the new signing Gini Wijnaldum. The former Newcastle man is struggling to replicate his previous form, and we cannot actually blame him as he has been played completely out of his natural spot.
Besides that, the manager will give Adam Lallana his licence to go forward at times and he will be the final piece of the midfield trio.
Attacking Trio: Mane; Firmino; Coutinho-
The trio hasn’t been the most prolific till date, but the youngsters truly have the potential to exploit Leicester’s defence. Sadio Mane has really hit the strides for Liverpool, while Coutinho has always troubled the oppositions. The wingers have done their job, but Firmino is still struggling to find his goal-scoring touch, but with no real options available for the spot, the Brazilian might retain his spot.
