Having rested the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge over the weekend, Liverpool FC are expected to field a strong starting eleven against Manchester United, who have a number of first team players unavailable for the Europa League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool will be hoping to avenge their losses against Louis van Gaal’s men over the last two seasons when they take on a Manchester United side that has lost a number of players to injuries and suspension.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have an almost full strength squad to choose from, barring some long-term injuries.
United depleted for Liverpool FC clash
According to Thisisanfield.com, Manchester United will be without the services of talismanic forward Wayne Rooney, who is out with a knee injury, and is also expected to miss the return leg next Thursday.
Rooney will be joined in the treatment room by fellow first-team members Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee) and Ashley Young (groin), while Phil Jones (ankle) remains doubtful for the fixture.
Luke Shaw is still recovering from the horrific leg injury suffered earlier this season, while youngster Donald Love is also out injured. Adding to the defensive woes is the doubtful status of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Matteo Darmian.
Adnan Januzaj is cup tied, having played for Borussia Dortmund in the competition earlier in the season, while Jesse Lingard is suspended for the fixture.
This means that a total of 12 players in the United ranks are either out or a major doubt for the game.
Liverpool to field a strong XI
Liverpool had rested Philippe Coutinho as well as injury-prone forward Daniel Sturridge at the win over Palace on Sunday. Both are expected to start the game, as Liverpool look to finally beat Van Gaal during his tenure at Manchester United. Liverpool have almost the entire first team available, with all the key players up for selection except for defender Martin Skrtel.
The two sides are locked in a battle to qualify for the Champions League and will carry the same ambition into the Thursday night’s game.
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