Liverpool and Manchester United clash this weekend in what is one of the most important derbies between the two sides in recent years, as both clubs look to establish themselves in the top-four.
Despite being sat second in the table, Liverpool could be considered as underdogs this weekend as they must travel to Old Trafford to face Jose Mourinho’s side and do battle with a club that’s enjoying fine form.
It’s a nervous time for the punters in the Transfer Tavern, as the notion of the North West derby fast approaches.
That said, United’s vulnerabilities have been highlighted at times this season and Liverpool have the ability within their ranks to come away from the match with all three points, bolstering their bid for Premier League glory.
Jurgen Klopp’s selection for the match will be crucial and the German has got it wrong at times this season, with the club dropping points where they shouldn’t, but this 4-3-3 formation is perfect for the test this weekend.
GK: Loris Karius
The 23-year-old German goalkeeper has been heavily criticised since joining Liverpool in the summer but the Reds should look to Manchester United for guidance in this situation; as David De Gea endured similar, before developing into one of the best in the world.
Karius has immense potential and Liverpool should not give up on him yet. Compared to Simon Mignolet, he certainly has the edge.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Liverpool’s defence certainly has a task on their hands keeping Manchester United’s attack quiet this weekend but Nathaniel Clyne is the obvious choice for a spot on the right-side, continuing in the first-team.
Clyne is effective in both attack and defence, which will aid Liverpool moving forward, but he needs to ensure he performs perfectly with his defensive abilities this weekend.
CB: Joel Matip
Carrying a slight knock heading into the weekend, Joel Matip has to start in the defence if he’s fit as he is Liverpool’s best defender. By the weekend, the Cameroonian will have trained regularly and should be raring to go.
Keeping Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet certainly won’t be an easy task but Matip has the ability to do so and he’s needed for this match.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Alongside Matip, Dejan Lovren should get the nod in his defence. The former Southampton man has been under intense scrutiny since arriving at Anfield but has improved this season, becoming a regular for Jurgen Klopp.
Lovren has featured in 17 of Liverpool’s 20 Premier League games so far this season and is definitely first-choice.
LB: James Milner
The veteran midfielder has found a new purpose on the left-side of Liverpool’s defence, which is beneficial to him as he’d struggle to get into his natural spot. Not just a quick-fix though, Milner has excelled in his role.
His ability from dead ball situations could be crucial this weekend but his main task will be keeping Henrikh Mkhitaryan quiet, with the Armenian likely to play on Milner’s side of the field.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The skipper for Liverpool has started all but one game in the Premier League so far this season and there is no reason for the situation to change this weekend. Coming toe-to-toe with Paul Pogba, Henderson will have to be at his best.
With four assists and one goal, Henderson will certainly feel his numbers can improve but his role in midfield is vital.
CM: Adam Lallana
Arguably Liverpool’s best player this season, Adam Lallana has scored seven Premier League goals in eighteen appearances and has also contributed with a further seven assists. This weekend, he could be a match winner.
Enjoying a run of four goals in four games in December, Lallana will be eyeing a return to that sort of form in the clash against United.
CM: Emre Can
Providing protection to the Reds’ defence, Emre Can is arguably the most important player for Liverpool this weekend as he has to ensure Manchester United do not dominate the tempo of the game and find control of the midfield.
The German can provide the route between defence and attack, whilst breaking down any opposition moves, and he’ll need to be on his toes.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Set for a return to fitness for the huge derby this weekend, Philippe Coutinho will be looking to continue where he left off and excel for Liverpool once again. Prior to his injury, Coutinho had been directly involved in five goals in just four games.
The brilliant Brazilian is Liverpool’s biggest player and they’ll look to him for inspiration this weekend. Whilst there may be a bit of rustiness to shake off, the Selecao samba star has the capabilities to excel.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
Liverpool need a striker this weekend that can take any opportunities that come their way and Daniel Sturridge is the man for the job. This season he’s been a forgotten man in the side but his involvement against Manchester United could seal all three points.
Sturridge is now fighting for his future at Anfield and that could drive the England international to excel. Starting just five times in the league this season, Sturridge needs a top-class performance.
RW: Roberto Firmino
Completing a dynamic front-three that could hold the key to a Liverpool victory is Brazilian ace Roberto Firmino, who’s come a long way under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp having struggled to excel in the first few months of his time in the Premier League.
With six goals and three assists this season, starting all but one of Liverpool’s Premier League matches, Firmino will be a threat to Manchester United’s goal and could add to his tally.
