Liverpool are set to return to action in the Premier League by travelling to face Manchester City on Saturday, 1 April. Take a look at Last Word on Sports’ Liverpool predicted lineup for their crunch game against the title contenders, as they aim to put a dent in the Citizens’ title dreams.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Manchester City
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 31, 2023
How Liverpool Have Lined Up Recently
Jurgen Klopp has really not been helped by the heap of injuries that have struck his side all through this season. With the Reds now only competing in the Premier League this season, he needs to motivate his side to count their remaining games as bonified ‘finals’ to achieve a Premier League top-four finish.
Liverpool have, fortunately, had some permanent faces in their starting lineup this season. The trio of Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo have consistently featured so far this year, but the Uruguayan might find it tough to start against City after battling through injuries during the international break. The back-five of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson is arguably their strongest right now to battle a side like City.
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In midfield, however, Liverpool have chopped and changed all season long. Their leader Jordan Henderson, who was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Klopp earlier this year, is poised to return and form a midfield trio with Fabinho and Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool Recent Form and Tactics
Since their amazing 7-0 win over rivals Manchester United, Liverpool have experienced a little bit of a slump in their form. They’re currently on a two-game losing streak (in all competitions) and haven’t even scored a goal since that win over the Red Devils.
Klopp definitely needs to work to solve that issue heading into their trip to the Etihad Stadium. He does have a lot of quality in his squad but he needs to motivate them to shock the in-form City side at their own yard. Salah will have to shoulder the responsibility to spearhead the Reds’ attack. The Egyptian’s brilliant movement and knack for providing that ‘something special’ is well known, but he needs to be clinical with his chances to give Liverpool a fighting chance.
Cody Gakpo can be a live-wire with his movement in the final third and he needs to be crisp with his finishing as well as a general final product to trouble the City backline. Diogo Jota is also full of running but has to rediscover his ruthlessness in front of the goal to help his side excel.
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Realistically, Liverpool will probably need to play on the back foot and rely on counter-attacks to win this game. That means their midfield also needs to bring their A-game to the table. Henderson has to marshal over a hard-working midfield line, ensuring his players know exactly when to press the opposition and make challenges to recover possession.
The Reds’ backline will be under extreme pressure in this one. City are flying high on form and have some incredible attacking talents like Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish to constantly harass them. Even if Erling Haaland doesn’t make it, Argentina star Julian Alvarez can be equally deadly in front of goal. Virgil van Dijk will have his hands full in this game, as he needs to be perfect with his game-reading and decision-making to frustrate the hosts.
Ibrahima Konate could be given the freedom to be more aggressive with his challenges, as well as use his agility to cut down attacks. Full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Robertson need to work double time to keep the City wingers quiet, as well as burst forward in transitions. Their delivery, both from crosses and set-pieces, will be key to unlocking the City backline and creating major chances.
Liverpool go into this form under pressure, but with the hope of a ‘fresh start’ until the end of the season. They’ll need to operate as one tight unit defensively to keep City at bay and more importantly, bring their ‘heavy metal’ style on display with electric counter-attacks to run riot at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
Unfortunately for Klopp’s side, they’re still missing some key players through injury, with the manager giving an update ahead of the match. Stefan Bajcetic, who’s been dubbed as their ‘breakout star’ of the season, is out with a bad injury. Thiago Alcantara is also still out of action, as is Naby Keita, who has been ruled out. Darwin Nunez could make his way into the team ahead of this game, and Luis Diaz seems to have gotten rid of his injury bug and could make an appearance in this one.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota.
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