Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday evening. The Reds’ bitter rivals are the only team to take points from them this season. Liverpool will want to take all three this time as they continue their relentless march towards the Premier League title. Mohamed Salah missed the reverse fixture and will be looking to score his first goal against United.
Mohamed Salah Looking For First United Goal
Point to Prove for Mohamed Salah
Jurgen Klopp is likely to field a full-strength line up against United, knowing that every win brings them closer to the elusive Premier League title. This means that Salah will feature up-front, supported by Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Remarkably, Salah has never scored against the Red Devils and he will be hoping to put that right on Saturday evening.
Squad players such as Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri will have to wait for their chance to start. Games are coming thick and fast in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, so this will come sooner rather than later. However, a big six fixture means that Klopp must go with his strongest available team.
Here’s to You, Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain was recently awarded England’s Men’s Player of the Year. He has been having a fantastic individual season for the Reds too, putting in a series of strong performances. He performs exactly what the manager asks of him, whether that is in a defensive midfield role or further up the pitch. His brilliant form in the holding position means that Klopp does not need to risk rushing Fabinho back earlier than necessary.
It is likely that Henderson will be partnered by Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch international has become one of Klopp’s trusted lieutenants and he has formed an impressive partnership with Henderson. The Reds are still missing James Milner and Naby Keita through injury, so one of Adam Lallana or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will complete the trio.
No Change at the Back
There is no need for Klopp to experiment in defence as the club are currently on a run of six clean sheets. The partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez has turned Liverpool’s penalty area into an impregnable fortress. This means that Joel Matip will have to wait for his chance. They are, of course, helped by Alisson, who will remain in goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are set to continue in their respective full-back roles but will likely be rested in next week’s FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Georginio Wijnaldum; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.
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