Henderson to receive a start ahead of Shaqiri? – Predicted Liverpool line-up to face Manchester City

Manchester City host Liverpool in what could be the game of the season at the Etihad. The Cityzens lie seven points behind us in the Premier League table and have to win in hopes of catching us.

Liverpool are unbeaten after 20 games and come off an impressive 5-1 hammering of Arsenal. It felt like the Reds had a couple of gears left in them but didn’t need to ramp up the energy to overcome the Gunners.

Jurgen Klopp saw his side draw 0-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and a point at the Etihad would be a great result for the remainder of the campaign.

The German has some tough decisions to make regarding who starts in the midfield, and here is our predicted line-up for the Reds.

Predicted Liverpool XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Alisson (GK)

The Brazilian has been excellent for us between the sticks and needs to have a fantastic game as City should come all guns blazing.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)

Trent has to be wary of the threat possessed by the City attackers, but his forward runs could pose a problem for the Blues too.

Dejan Lovren (CB)

With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip out, Lovren should remain in the side and hopefully, he puts in a quality performance on Thursday.

Virgil van Dijk (CB)

Van Dijk has been one of the best players for Liverpool this season and will have his hands full with Sergio Aguero looking to score.

Andy Robertson (LB)

Robertson is the other player that has to be wary of threats such as Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling.

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM)

The Dutch midfielder has been excellent for us and needs to play with a lot of energy on Thursday.

Fabinho (CM)

We could see the Brazilian start as his interceptions and tackles could be key to us dominating the midfield.

Jordan Henderson (CM)

Xherdan Shaqiri would be too much of an attacking threat, and just to balance things out, Henderson could be given the start on Thursday.

Mohamed Salah (RW)

The Egyptian could be shifted wide to give us more control in midfield, but that should not be a problem for the forward.

Roberto Firmino (ST)

Firmino scored a hat-trick in the win over the Gunners, and the Liverpool forward needs to be at his best on Thursday.

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Sadio Mane (LW)

The Senegal international seems to be scoring the vital goals for us with strikes against Manchester United and Arsenal and could have a great day against the City defence.