Our Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hugely excited about the run-in this season after their latest win over Everton at the weekend.
Whilst the Toffees tried to rough the Reds up at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s men showed their extra class in notching up a 3-1 win, leaving them firmly in with a chance of making the Champions League for next season.
Of course, there’s still a fair bit to go this year with some big games on the horizon and though the remaining matches for Liverpool consist of the ‘so-called’ lesser sides, that has been the Reds’ weakness this year.
Time, then, to see if they’ve truly got over that as things all start with a home game against Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
It’s going to be a fascinating affair and our landlord reckons if the Merseysiders go with this XI, they should emerge victorious…
GK: Simon Mignolet
Mignolet has done well of late and came in soon after Loris Karius dropped a clanger against the Cherries earlier this year. He’ll be keen to avoid the same fate.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Bournemouth are more than likely going to sit in so Clyne getting forward is imperative. He’s the one to add width with Sadio Mane a doubt.
CB: Joel Matip
Matip underlined why he is the Reds’ best defender as he kept Romelu Lukaku quiet. He, like the rest of his team-mates now need to avoid complacency.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Lovren got away without injury after Ross Barkley nailed him at the weekend and so he should start against the Cherries. If he keeps things clean the Reds should go on to win.
LB: James Milner
As solid as ever in the Merseyside Derby, Milner will need to get forward a lot in this one. He struggled against Bournemouth in the reverse this year and will want to right that.
CM: Lucas Leiva
Lucas Leiva is probably past his best, but he has been given a chance in recent weeks due to injury woes in the Liverpool midfield.
He can certainly still do a job, and whilst he isn’t as good as he used to be, Klopp can still rely on him to give 110%.
CM: Emre Can
Emre Can’s long-term aspirations at Anfield remain to be seen, but the German is certainly giving it his best shot under Jurgen Klopp.
The German has done fairly well in recent weeks, and if he can iron out his mistakes, he can be a star in the future.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum has been in fine form as of late, and he is finally beginning to repay the faith shown to him by Jurgen Klopp.
A midfield magician, he can really influence games if he takes them by the scruff of the neck. He simply must put in a good performance this week.
RW: Roberto Firmino
Crucial to the Reds’ high-pressing game, Sadio Mane’s injury will force Roberto Firmino out to the right. While the Brazilian clearly doesn’t boast the pace for the stricken Senegalese, he can help feed the central striker with his creativity and disposing of the opposition high up the pitch.
ST: Divock Origi
Has failed to wholly convince in recent months, though Origi’s searing pace could be a huge asset for the Liverpool cause. Wonderfully direct, the Belgian can wreak serious havoc.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Since returning from injury, Philippe Coutinho has struggled to find top gear again. However, his goal in the Merseyside derby clash a few days ago hinted at a return to his very best form.
Will be crucial.
