Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday. The league leaders will be hoping to extend their gap at the top to 9 points. They will also hope to continue their unbeaten run so far in the league. Klopp will make changes from the midweek game against Genk and Dejan Lovren will be amongst those hoping to start.
Dejan Lovren to Return to Defence
Dejan Lovren to Partner Virgil van Dijk
After being rested in the Champions League Dejan Lovren will be hoping to return to the starting eleven on Sunday. Virgil van Dijk is an automatic pick so Joel Matip‘s continued absence means that there is a battle between Lovren and Joe Gomez to partner him. Joe Gomez played against Genk and was in imperious form alongside the Dutchman last season. However, he has found game time limited in 2019/20 so far. He has also failed to impress following his own return from injury.
Alisson should continue in goal behind the defence, with Adrian once again on bench duty. The importance of full backs to Klopp’s system should see Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold resume their roles.
Unleash the Ox
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has previous experience against the champions and he will be hoping to start the game. He has impressed this season against Genk twice and against his former club Arsenal, scoring goals which were both impressive and significant.
Fabinho was rested against Aston Villa last week in order to prevent him being suspended by reaching five yellow cards; that should guarantee him a spot this weekend. Assuming that both Fabinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain start the game, there is one spot left in Klopp’s midfield. The German knows that he can count on any of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum or James Milner in a game of this magnitude so expect to see one of those complete the trio. It is likely that Adam Lallana and Naby Keita will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Mane in Form of his Life
Sadio Mane was benched for the midweek game against Genk, though he will be raring to go in the Premier League. He is currently in the form of his life and his last gasp winner against Aston Villa last week perfectly epitomises his never say die attitude.
Roberto Firmino, also benched against Genk, should join him up front while Mohamed Salah should complete the trio despite looking off the boil a bit recently. Divock Origi remains a squad option, though it would be a surprise to see him start.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren, Andrew Robertson, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah
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