Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are getting themselves geared up for a big clash at the weekend against their biggest rivals.
Liverpool welcome Man United on Saturday and will be hoping to give the Manchester club their first real test of the campaign.
Undoubtedly, United are flying high in Premier League, whilst the Reds have one win in seven in all competitions. On current form, it should be an away win but as the punter make the point, we know form goes out of the window when it comes to this North West clash.
Liverpool have been brilliant up front but the counterbalance of a leaky defence has made this season an inconsistent one.
Indeed, Anfield boss Klopp and his team will be looking to not only get one over on their rivals but kick-start their own season and potentially get back into the Champions League place after a mixed time of things of late.
Our Landlord thinks this Liverpool team will provide Man United with a real headache…
Simon Mignolet
The constant switch of keepers this season as Reds boss Klopp tries to find his number one has been a major reason why the Liverpool’s season has gone the way it has.
Mignolet should once again be given another chance to prove he should be the only keeper in Klopp’s thoughts and up against a United frontline firing on all fronts.
If Mignolet can get a clean sheet this will be a huge statement made.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Sometimes throwing a youth player with no fear can work in these big games. Klopp will be looking for pace and youthfulness to provide Liverpool with a different attacking edge.
While at the back they’ve been unsteady, the young right-back will want to use teammate Nathaniel Clyne’s injury as a chance to prove his worth.
Dejan Lovren
A little bit of an injury doubt but you can’t see him not taking the risk to play in such an important match, the pairing of Matip and Lovren this season has been the only thing that’s been consistent in a forever revolving back four plus keeper.
The pair will be looking to shut out United and ensure the victory with a big game performance.
Joel Matip
The other half of the Liverpool centre-half partnership, Matip will be wanting to give a huge performance against bitter rivals United. Alongside Lovren, Matip will look to shut out the opposition and try to protect the keeper from any shots that might get through.
With a Liverpool defence looking to repair the cracks, Matip and Lovren both need to up their games if they are to repay Klopp’s faith.
Alberto Moreno
On the left-hand side of the four, Moreno will look to play a similar role to Alexander-Arnold in the way of stopping the United wingers and create an attacking move early.
While this defence is still lacking a leader and some real organisation especially when it comes to set pieces, Moreno and the rest really need to start playing for the manager and repay some faith tokens.
James Milner
The reliable Milner will be the perfect player to place in the team against a busy United midfield, if Klopp uses him correctly he could do a job against one of the United threats and nullify the wild horses.
He could also fill in at the back to create a five across the rearguard to sturdy up a rocky defence and provide a little protection for the young Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Jordan Henderson
If the England international can create a real midfield display, he may start to win back some of the disgruntled fans who have been losing patience with the former Sunderland man.
A lot has been made of the Gerrard-like balls he’s been trying to play but if Henderson can just take his game back to basics and do what he did that won him a move to Liverpool in the first place, he may have a big hand in the victory.
Emre Can
In Adam Lallana’s absence, the German has thrived in the Liverpool midfield as a first-team regular. The Reds may miss the goals the England man brings to the team while he’s out injured, but Can will look to fire up this team.
Mohammed Salah
Salah’s had a great start to his Liverpool career and he’ll want to continue that form, especially after his international break heroics for Egypt.
Liverpool will look to the Egyptian for inspiration to push the Reds onto victory with further goals to add to his tally already this season.
Roberto Firmino
The Liverpool frontman will be surrounded by three players all with the same goal, to score and play some fantastic attacking football.
While the frontline can all interlink with each other, Firmino will be looking to get on the scoresheet and help his team to the three points.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian is back and playing with a smile on his face once again, seemingly putting the summer’s transfer saga behind him, he’s been playing some eye-catching football and scoring incredible goals.
If it’s a case of putting himself in the window for another bid in the winter window or just the fact he really wants to play for the Reds and help the cause – the fans will not be bothered at the moment.
