Starting XI Prediction: Who Makes Klopp’s Eleven vs City?
Liverpool are in the midst of their preparations for their biggest game of the season, as they host Manchester City in a Premier League title decider. After an impressive 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, speculation surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven has started to increase.
Impressive performances from the likes of Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley has put their names into the conversation, whilst big-hitters like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are expected to play a big part. Therefore, we’re going to be taking a look at our predicted starting eleven ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash.
Much-Needed Experience
Experienced heads like Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez will be crucial in Liverpool’s bid for a positive result on Sunday. In contrast, Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal due to the injury to Alisson Becker. With that being said, Kelleher has really proved his worth in a number of crucial games lately, most notably in the Carabao Cup Final victory over Chelsea.
Gomez will start at right-back and will be partnered by Robertson on the other flank. Virgil Van Dijk will definitely captain the side and start at the heart of Klopp’s defence. However, his partner may not be so clear with a potential injury to Ibou Konate on Thursday. I suspect that Konate will be fit for Sunday, but if not then Jarrell Quansah will take the Frenchman’s place in the back line.
Verdict: Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson
Klopp’s Strongest Midfield?
Many would argue that Klopp could have his strongest midfield available for Sunday’s game, aided by the return of Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian was brilliant from the bench on Thursday and looked incredibly sharp considering his time on the sidelines. Therefore, I think Szoboszlai will start on Sunday and his incredible work effort and quality in the final third could play a major role.
Wataru Endo will play at the base of the midfield once again and will be partnered by the brilliant Alexis Mac Allister. Both players have been sensational recently and Alexis Mac Allister is quickly proving his world-class attributes. His goal and assist on Thursday, along with his incredible defensive tenacity, proves his importance to Klopp’s midfield.
Verdict: Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
Mo’s Return
