FA Cup Quarter-Final: Klopp’s XI for Manchester United Clash
Following their 6-1 demolition of Sparta Prague on Thursday, Liverpool will be coming into Sunday’s huge game with plenty of confidence. As they prepare to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Quarter-Final, Jurgen Klopp will have plenty of key decisions to make ahead of the game.
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez have all seemingly returned to full fitness, whilst Ibou Konate remains a doubt for Sunday. Therefore, today we’re going to be predicting Klopp’s starting lineup ahead of the massive game.
Klopp’s Trust in Youth
Whilst Alisson Becker remains on the sidelines through injury, Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal as he looks to carry on his brilliant form. Ahead of him, Virgil Van Dijk will be partnered by Jarrell Quansah as Konate continues his return to fitness.
After being substituted at half-time on Thursday, Joe Gomez is nailed on to start at full-back on Sunday. Therefore, it’s between Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley for the final defensive spot. I actually think it will be Bradley to slot in at right-back.
Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Gomez
Liverpool’s Strongest Midfield?
I suspect that Jurgen Klopp will go with a full-strength midfield three on Sunday ahead of the international break. Wataru Endo will remain in the starting lineup after playing just 45 minutes on Thursday, whilst Alexis Mac Allister will come back into the side after having the night off during the week.
The only debate about the midfield would be between Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott on the right of the midfield three. Purely based on the fact that Szoboszlai played a full 90 minutes on Thursday, whilst Elliott played just 45, I’m leaning towards Klopp choosing Elliott after his impressive run of form.
Verdict: Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott
Salah’s Playground
Mohamed Salah will remain in the starting lineup and will look to carry on his sensational form against Manchester United. The Egyptian King will be partnered by Darwin Nunez once again, whilst Luis Diaz will come in for Cody Gakpo after being rested against Sparta Prague.
Gakpo will look to offer some much-needed depth and quality from the bench and could be joined by the youthfulness of Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas.
Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott, Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Bench: Adrian, Konate, Robertson, Tsimikas, McConnell, Szoboszlai, Clark, Gakpo, Danns
