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The Premier League returns to action this weekend with yet another round of intriguing fixtures as defending champions Liverpool play host to current pace-setters Manchester United in a high-octane top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
The Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat against Southampton in their previous outing in the Premier League but fought back strongly to beat Aston Villa 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s side are placed 2nd in the standings, three points behind the Red Devils.
United leapfrogged Liverpool to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Burnley in the midweek clash and the pressure will be mounting on the Reds to draw level with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool have plenty of injury concerns heading into the weekend clash against Man United. Klopp will once again need to rely on a makeshift backline with Joe Gomez (knee), Virgil van Dijk (knee) and Joel Matip (groin) all on the treatment table. Diogo Jota remains on the sidelines with a knee injury while Naby Keita is also doubtful to play a part.
The Brazilian was rested for the FA Cup tie but should return to the starting XI.
The academy graduate will be hungry and raring to go against the Red Devils this weekend after being rested for the domestic cup tie against Aston Villa.
The former Monaco star has done a very decent job as a makeshift centre-back in recent weeks and Klopp shouldn’t hesitate to continue fielding him in that role.
The youngster has grabbed his opportunities with both hands amid the ongoing injury crisis at Anfield and should start ahead of teenager Rhys Williams.
Milner started the FA Cup fixture but the Scottish international is expected to replace the veteran on the teamsheet for the clash against Manchester United.
The skipper struggled in an unfamiliar centre-back role against Southampton and Klopp should reinstate him in his natural position at the base of the midfield.
Despite his ongoing contract stand-off at the club, the Dutchman remains a trusted lieutenant for Klopp in the middle of the park.
The youngster has really come to the fore with some quality performances this season, showing that he deserves to play regularly in the Reds first-team.
The Senegalese forward will be looking to add to his tally of 6 goals in the Premier League so far this season when Liverpool play host to Man United on Sunday.
The Egyptian has been firing on all cylinders this season with 13 goals in 16 games and could once again prove to be the difference-maker for the Reds this weekend.
The Brazilian is yet to hit top gear this season but he remains a key cog in Klopp’s forward line with his superior all-round game and playmaking abilities.