James Milner to return to the starting XI? – Predicted Liverpool line-up to face Crystal Palace

Liverpool return to Anfield after a couple of away trips in the Premier League and face Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Eagles won’t be easy opposition given their shock win over Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, and Liverpool have a few defensive issues of their own.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was the latest defender to pick up an injury and the Reds need to shuffle their back-line at the weekend.

We defeated Brighton in our previous tie with Fabinho playing as a centre-back but should see him start in midfield.

Georginio Wijnaldum is another player that is a doubt for this tie, and here is the predicted line-up for the Reds.

Predicted Liverpool XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Alisson (GK)

The best goalkeeper in the Premier League, in terms of clean sheets, will surely start as we look to keep Palace from scoring.

James Milner (RB)

With Trent and Joe Gomez injured, and Nathaniel Clyne loaned out, we should see James Milner start but as our right-back at the weekend.

Joel Matip (CB)

The Cameroon defender was on the bench in our win over Brighton and should start against Roy Hodgson’s side.

Virgil van Dijk (CB)

Virgil van Dijk is one of the best in the world, and the Dutch defender should start unless he picks up an injury.

Andy Robertson (LB)

The Scottish defender is another automatic choice for this clash, and his forward runs will be one of the keys to us creating chances.

Fabinho (CM)

Fabinho should start the game but in his preferred midfielder’s role. The Brazilian did a great job against Brighton as a centre-back, but should partner Jordan Henderson on Saturday.

Jordan Henderson (CM)

The captain should play as our second midfielder alongside Fabinho and he would have an important job of keeping the game ticking along against Palace.

Xherdan Shaqiri (RAM)

Liverpool should stick with Shaqiri on the right as we should play a 4-2-3-1 against the Eagles.

Roberto Firmino (CAM)

Firmino isn’t scoring many goals for Liverpool this season, but his role has changed and the Brazilian should continue as the central attacking midfielder playing just behind Mohamed Salah.

Sadio Mane (LAM)

The Senegal international hasn’t been prolific in attack, but his work-rate can never be questioned. His pace and strength will certainly be important as we look to break down the Palace defence.

Read more: Liverpool interested in signing affordable defensive midfielder to ease injury woes

Mohamed Salah (ST)

Salah got the only goal of the game in Liverpool’s last game, and the Egyptian should start as the central striker on Saturday as he looks to keep scoring in the Premier League.