Expected Starting XI for Liverpool to face arch-rivals Manchester United
Liverpool are all set to face Manchester United in the North-West derby at Old Trafford on Monday night. Both teams are coming off shaky starts to their league campaign, United more specifically as they are dead last on the table with two losses.
The Reds though, are coming off two consecutive draws to Fulham and Crystal Palace. They would hope to get back on the winning track as soon as possible, hopefully starting this Monday against their nemesis.
Team News for the Reds
Liverpool are unlucky to be facing an injury crisis so early in the season with more than eight first-team players sitting out with injuries and other issues. The club’s official website gives more detail on the current injury scare and the expected date of return for most of the players.
Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all ruled out citing injury issues. In defence, Ibrahima Konate and Calvin Ramsay are sidelined due to fitness-related problems. Joel Matip is out due to a muscle strain.
Goalie Caoimhin Kelleher is also sitting out due to an injury picked during the international friendlies. Diogo Jota is sidelined as well, owing to a muscle injury picked during an international game. Darwin Nunez sits out serving a red-card suspension.
Here is the expected Liverpool starting XI against Manchester United in our opinion.
Probable Liverpool XI (4-3-3 Holding)
Alisson Becker (GK)
Alisson is literally and metaphorically, the first name on the team sheet. The Brazilian will be the obvious choice to start when fit. Third-choice keeper Adrian will probably cut the bench given that second-choice Kelleher is out with injury.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The 23-year-old is key to Liverpool’s style of play and hardly sits out of any game as big as the one on Monday. Fans would hope to see more assists this season from the Scouser in our team.
Joe Gomez (RCB)
Gomez could start at the right side of central defence against United after a minor issue saw him benched for Nathaniel Phillips in the game against Crystal Palace. Gomez played for around 30 minutes and impressed against the London club.
Virgil van Dijk (LCB)
It is tough to see beyond the Dutchman for a starting position for games like this one. He is one of the major reasons for Liverpool’s recent success and he is a club star.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Much like his counterpart on the right side of the flank, the Scotsman is one of the biggest creators for the Reds. He has been facing competition from Kostas Tsimikas off late but when on song, Robbo is one of the best left-backs in the game.
Midfield
Fabinho Tavares (CDM)
The former Monaco man fits the Liverpool system like a glove. He hasn’t been on the best of forms this season, but nobody can do a job like the Brazilian when he is at it. Secondarily, even Jordan Henderson could start at 6 instead of Fabinho if the gaffer thinks Fab isn’t fully game fit.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
The captain is deemed to be fully fit for this game, also returning to squad training after individual work over the last week. An extremely motivating figure on the pitch, Hendo should start the game against arch-rivals Man United. He is expected to start on the left side of midfield.
Harvey Elliott (CM)
The former Fulham boy has impressed one and all since his breakthrough at Blackburn on loan a couple of seasons ago. Even this campaign, he was very good against Crystal Palace and would hope to continue his good form. The 19-year-old is expected to link up with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side.
Attack
Luis Diaz (LW)
The Colombian scored Liverpool’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Following his excellent game, he should be starting this game to carry on his good form.
Roberto Firmino (CF)
The third Brazilian on the list. Our very own Samba Boy is back from a knock which saw him sit out against Palace. He is expected to start given Darwin Nunez is serving his suspension. Diogo Jota also sees himself out with an injury, eventually leaving us with Bobby as the only option.
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Mohamed Salah (RW)
One of the best in the world in his position. Had a wonderful outing against United when we last played them at Old Trafford. He is, perhaps, the most obvious name to feature on this list.
