Liverpool FC host Manchester United at Anfield in one of the most awaited ties of the Premier League calendar, knowing that a win would give them a huge psychological advantage in the race for the top four.
Manager Jurgen Klopp criticised the conceding of “easy goals” in the 3-3 draw against Arsenal FC in midweek and will hope that his makeshift defence will perform much better in the tie.
The most interesting call for manager Jurgen Klopp will be regarding the goalkeeping position, with Simon Mignolet once again at fault in the midweek game against Arsenal FC.
The Reds have recalled Danny Ward from his loan spell at Scottish high flyers Aberdeen citing a string of impressive displays and poor performance from the Liverpool FC goalkeepers.
Klopp has shown in the past that he is not afraid to make bold decisions, and given his performance of late, Ward stands more than a good chance to make the XI with faltering Simon Mignolet making his case stronger.
Liverpool FC Team News:
Liverpool are severely curtailed due to injury problems, with Dejan Lovren and Daniel Sturridge struggling to regain fitness in time for the crucial tie and effectively ruled out of the game. Sturridge continues to train alone and is still a week away from return, having originally targeted a return against Manchester United.
Jon Flannagan is still recovering from his long term injury and is not match-fit to play any part in the game. While Martin Skrtel and Divock Origi still remain out due to injury alongside star man Philippe Countinho. Danny Ings and Joe Gomez are long term absentees and will remain out till the end of the season.
Loan signing Steven Caulker is still expected to remain on the bench, with Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho expected to start in the central midfield.
Joe Allen will be pushing for a starting XI role, having come off the bench and scored a late equaliser against Arsenal FC.
Roberto Firmino’s impressive midweek showing means he is expected to keep Belgian Christian Benteke out of the starting XI.
Predicted Liverpool FC XI (4-3-3): Mignolet; Clyne, Toure, Moreno, Sakho; Can, Allen, Henderson; Milner, Lallana; Firmino
