Just after four days of the dramatic league cup final, Liverpool play host to Manchester City in the midweek clash of match day 28 of the Barclays premiere league. A very tight schedule has certainly been a challenge for Jurgen Klopp and has subsequently resulted in a lot of injuries. Here is an update and a predicted line up for the big game.

Injuries

Mamadou Sakho suffered a severe blow to the head when he had a collision with Emre Can during Sunday’s final. Stewart and Rossiter are suffering ankle and hamstring injuries respectively and are expected to miss the game. Gomes and Ings are still recovering from their long-term injuries and are expected to return to action not before March.

Looking at the brighter side, Sturridge looked in good shape in Sunday’s final and should be expected to start again. Keeping all this in mind here is a look at the predicted lineup.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

This formation has proved most effective for Klopp and especially against sides that have an attacking game. During the away fixture, the Liverpool boss had opted for the same formation. It had produced a fantastic result at the Etihad. And with Coutinho and Henderson back there are no surprises of a midfield dominated formation.

Defence

RB: Nathaniel Clyne

CB: Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure

LB: Alberto Moreno

With Mamadou Sakho injured and Kolo Toure showing an impressive performance, he should get a start. Lucas Leiva was very instrumental in the Liverpool back-line and should get a start ahead of Dejan Lovren.

Midfield

DM: Emre Can

CM: Jordan Henderson 

CAM: Philippe Coutinho

With the skipper back in action he should start the game in the center along with Emre Can who will play the role of a holding midfielder. Philippe Coutinho should play as the attacking midfielder for this fixture considering his past record against the club.

Attack

LW: James Milner

RW: Jordan Ibe

CF: Daniel Sturridge

With Jordan Ibe back to fitness he should start to give that extra pace on the right wing ahead of Clyne. James Milner can take up the left wing and give a depth and deliver good crosses inside the six yard box. Klopp has a lot of attacking options with Divock Origi and Adam Lallana showing a lot of promise in the league cup final. However, considering the magnitude of this game, he should keep them for the later part of the game.

Daniel Sturridge should start the game without any doubt as he is the man to look out for. There have been a lot of questions on his fitness and his form but as they say class remains permanent. Also, considering the recent form of City’s back-line, Sturridge is the ideal man to capitalize on any chances received.