After both Liverpool and Manchester United‘s lacklustre starts, the sides compete at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022. Find out who Last Word on Football predicts to be in the Liverpool starting lineup on Monday.
Predicting the Liverpool Starting Lineup
How Liverpool Have Lined Up Recently
Jurgen Klopp‘s side tends to line up in a very similar manner. Alisson starts at the back, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson play as wing-backs whilst Virgil van Dijk is a constant presence at centre-back. Whilst the German manager likes Joel Matip at centre-back, recent injuries mean that the other centre-back position is rotating between a few options.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are constant presences and will play whenever they are fit. Thiago is the preferred option in this position, but even more injuries mean that this is unlikely to be the midfield three. Klopp’s best front three consists of the suspended Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
Premier League 🏆
FA Cup 🏆
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Community Shield 🏆Jurgen Klopp has now won every domestic trophy with @LFC! 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/LUaB53cJs2
— SPORF (@Sporf) July 30, 2022
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
The Anfield side has a raft of injuries affecting key players. Thiago is missing from the midfield with a thigh injury, similar to that of forward Jota. Centre-back Matip is still a couple of weeks away from recovery, as is fellow defender Ibrahima Konate. In attack, Nunez has a three-match suspension, although Roberto Firmino is at full fitness. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also out with a serious hamstring issue.
The vast injury list continues with some of the Reds’ younger players. Curtis Jones is struggling with a stress reaction, Caoimhin Kelleher returns in a couple of weeks and Calvin Ramsay is struggling with a slight niggle.
Predicted Liverpool Starting Lineup
The Liverpool back five stays consistent. Alisson retains his position in the net behind centre-backs Van Dijk and Gomez, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson bombing on down the flanks.
Whilst midfield provides a selection challenge for Klopp, Fabinho and Henderson are reliable hands in the middle of the pitch, Harvey Elliott joins the experienced pair, providing threat going forwards and energy in the press.
The Anfield side retains an energetic front line. With Nunez banned, Firmino is the obvious choice to come into the side and provide an extra layer of pressing power. After his incredible goal against Crystal Palace, Luis Diaz starts on the left with Salah attacking the Red Devils’ other flank.
Current Odds: Manchester United vs Liverpool
Liverpool are firm favourites to win the match, at odds of 4/7. The draw is the next most likely result at 16/5. A home win is an outside outcome at 4/1.
