Roberto Firmino is in contention to feature, while Jordan Henderson is in line to start when Liverpool face Manchester City in a goliath encounter.
Title contenders Liverpool will travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to lock horns with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in a clash that can have huge repercussions on the title race.
Leading up to the game, manager Jurgen Klopp, in his pre-match presser on Friday, confirmed that he had a fully-fit squad at his disposal for the vital encounter. “When I looked last time on my smartphone, it looked like everyone is available again,” Klopp said.
Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
However, Liverpool were dealt with a scare as forward Roberto Firmino missed the training session later on Friday, casting doubts over his involvement. But the good news is that the Brazilian has travelled with the rest of the squad to Manchester and seems to be in contention to feature against the Cityzens.
With a full-strength roster at his disposal, Klopp will have some key personnel decisions to make when he sets his team out at the Etihad on Sunday. No change is expected between the sticks, with Alisson Becker guarding the Liverpool goal, as usual. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are guaranteed starters as the full-backs, while Virgil van Dijk is a permanent fixture at the centre of the defence.
Ibrahima Konate scored a goal and put in a good display against SL Benfica in the midweek clash. But the summer signing is expected to make way for the seasoned Joel Matip as van Dijk’s central defensive partner for this crucial encounter on Sunday.
Moving into the middle of the park, Fabinho is fit and available for selection after a clash of heads in the European encounter led to some concerns. The Brazilian will essay his usual No. 6 for Liverpool against Manchester City. Thiago Alcantara, too, is expected to hold on to his spot in the side.
But, there could be one change in midfield against Pep Guardiola’s troops. While Naby Keita made a solid impression in the win against Benfica, Klopp could opt for his captain Jordan Henderson to start in this pivotal fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Mohamed Salah, who has had a couple of dull outings of late, is a definite starter on the right-wing and will be raring to get back to goalscoring ways. Firmino being available means Klopp has to decide between him and his fellow South American ace, Luis Diaz. The January signing might get the nod on Sunday, with the Colombian slotting in on the left side while Sadio Mane starts through the middle.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
