Strongest Liverpool XI To Face Manchester United: Firmino As A False 9

Klopp and his men earned a well-deserved point against Arsenal on Wednesday. Liverpool really worked for it and they got their reward, but now they don’t have time to rest or relax. They will have to get back into work this Sunday against the sixth-placed Manchester United. Manchester United at Anfield will be a big match for Jurgen Klopp. He will get to know the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams. Liverpool are slowly recovering from their injury crisis, but still some of their key players are out. Let’s a have a look at Liverpool’s predicted line-up:

Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet

The Belgian international is set to put pen to a new contract with Liverpool, but most of the fans are not so happy about this. Mignolet’s errors have led to Liverpool conceding goals often and the fans  don’t think he is the man to be the custodian of Liverpool’s goal. Time is ticking for Mignolet. He should somehow gather confidence and get things right or he will have to pack his bags. He will have to repeat what he did last season after he was dropped from the starting line-up by Brendan Rodgers. Last time when Liverpool played Manchester United at Anfield, Mignolet saved Wayne Rooney’s last-minute penalty dispute Liverpool losing the match. Mignolet has to step up his game against Manchester United.

Defenders – Nathaniel Clyne, Steven Caulker, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno

Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno have been consistent performers for Liverpool. They have been for all along and they never performed poorly. Clyne and Moreno have given Liverpool an extra boost in their attacking moves and both of them have done well with their defensive responsibilities. Clyne and Moreno are expected to start for Liverpool.

Kolo Toure has been in fine form recently but we expect Liverpool’s latest signing Steven Caulker to start ahead of Toure. Liverpool are called back into action just after three days of their match against Arsenal. Manchester United is a big game and Liverpool cannot show signs of fatigue in the game. Toure’s body might not be able to handle the back to back big games.

And also, Caulker’s aerial abilities will help Liverpool limit Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini. Caulker is also a goal threat from set pieces. Mamadou Sakho has been a key player for Liverpool this season, but the Frenchman takes some time to settle after returning from an injury. He returned from injury against Arsenal on Wednesday and he was not at his best. Sakho should step up and be at his best against the Red Devils.

Midfielders – Emre Can, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Jordon Ibe

Liverpool’s centre midfield against Arsenal consisted of Can, Milner and Henderson. The trio looked good together and we can expect Klopp to continue with this centre midfield. Can did his defensive responsibilities well, but gave away the possession often. He was the main reason for Firmino’s first goal against the Gunners. Can should do what he did in the last few games and also he has to be little more careful with his passes.

James Milner provided the assist for Firmino’s second goal and he is slowly getting into the groove at Liverpool. His immense work rate will be vital on Sunday.

Jordan Henderson has done a great job in replacing Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s captain. Henderson has been great for Liverpool whenever he has played this season. His work rate too will be vital against Manchester United.

Adam Lallana has not able to add goals and assists to his game but his pressing and work rate has been great. He is Liverpool’s one of the fittest players and he is expected to continue in Liverpool’s starting line-up.

Jordon Ibe did not have a good against Arsenal, but it is not the time to cry over it. The youngster should step up on Sunday. His pace can prove to be vital.

Striker – Roberto Firmino

The Brazilian bagged a brace against the Gunners on Wednesday and he is slowly hitting his full form. Firmino has a good record as Liverpool’s striker and we can expect him to start again as a false 9 for Liverpool on Sunday. Christian Benteke will probably come on as a substitute, but he can play a role. His physicality might be needed during the dying minutes of the game.