Liverpool host David Wagner’s Huddersfield, as they look for their first Premier League victory at Anfield since August
Going into this week’s round of Premier League matches, only a mere point separates these two sides. Liverpool are currently 9th on the table with 13 points to their name, while David Wagner’s men are 11th, having won 12 points from 9 games so far this season.
The Reds are coming off an embarrassing loss against Tottenham, while Huddersfield beat Manchester United last week at home. Liverpool are looking for their first home win since August and their first Premier League win since September.
Tactics
Liverpool
It is yet to be seen whether Jurgen Klopp chooses to axe certain players from his starting XI after that dismal showing at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur last week, but we don’t expect too many changes to be made to the same squad.
Simon Mignolet will likely retain his place in goal, as will Alberto Moreno, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren – who was unceremoniously substituted after a mere 31 minutes of the first half and Joe Gomez. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also an option to start at right back, with Gomez moving to the center and Lovren settling for a place on the bench.
A little ahead in midfield, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson may retain their places, but Georginio Wijnaldum will likely come in ahead of James Milner, having recovered from his injury.
Philippe Coutinho is a doubt for tonight, so Roberto Firmino could move to the side, with Daniel Sturridge leading the line upfront.
If Klopp doesn’t wish to go with Sturridge, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain could start on the right wing, with Mohamed Salah moving to the left and Roberto Firmino keeping his place upfront, but all this is dependent on Coutinho’s fitness level come tonight.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Simon Mignolet; Alberto Moreno, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez; Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum; Mohamed Salah, Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino
Huddersfield
Jon Gorenc-Stankovic, Collin Quaner, Kasey Palmer, Michael Hefele and Philip Billing are all expected to miss out on this tie due to injury.
TheTerriers don’t have any suspensions for this tie, so David Wagner is expected to starting with the same starting XI that beat Manchester United last week.
With Jonas Lossl in goal, Tom Smith will likely be at right back, Zanka and Christopher Schindler as center-backs and Chris Lowe on the left. Jonathan Hogg and Danny Williams will act as defensive midfielders while Aaron Mooy takes on a more central role behind the striker.
Tom Ince and Elias Kachunga will likely retain their places on the wings while Laurent Depoitre will probably lead the line for the Terriers.
That, is expected to be the team that will hope to inflict back to back defeats on Liverpool for the first time in Jurgen Klopp’s managerial reign.
Probable Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Jonas Lossl; Tom Smith, Zanka, Christopher Schindler, Chris Lowe; Danny Williams, Jonathan Hogg; Elias Kachunga, Aaron Mooy, Tom Ince; Laurent Depoitre
Key Statistics
- Liverpool have conceded 16 goals already this season, their worst tally after 9 games in 53 years.
- Liverpool have lost on 1 of their last 15 games across all competitions.
- Huddersfield’s opening day victory against Crystal Palace remains their only away victory in their past 19 top flight games away from home.
- Liverpool have only ever lost 1 of their last 42 home League games against newly-promoted sides.
- Huddersfield have won, lost and drawn 3 games in the League so far.
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Huddersfield
David Wagner’s side have impressed this season and are coming off a stunning 2-1 victory against Manchester United. Confidence will be high and we can expect them to play fearlessly, but Liverpool will be desperate for a victory at Anfield after their recent run of form and will to take no prisoners tonight.
We predict a hard-fought, narrow victory for Liverpool at Merseyside. The Reds are wounded and really need a confidence boosting victory to get their season back on track after last week’s thrashing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
They will be well aware that excuses about injuries just won’t hold up against the newly-promoted Terriers and based on sheer quality of personnel, Liverpool should win this easily.
Losing tonight would severely hamper their chances of finishing in the top four and Klopp will be desperate to avoid back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time during his reign.