Our Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern cannot wait to see their side back in action this weekend as they head to Manchester City in a mouthwatering tie.

The men from Anfield have started this season in fine form with them beating Arsenal and Crystal Palace and drawing to Watford on the opening day.

That, then, has led them to second in the table but they know that this game at the Etihad Stadium is going to be the hardest they have had to take on so far this year.

Indeed, City also have seven points and will be looking to get one over the Reds at this early point in the year as the top clubs look to assert themselves in the race for the Premier League title.

It’s set, then, to be a big game this weekend and so, with that in mind, here is the Liverpool XI we think Jurgen Klopp needs to play in order to try and get a result…

GK: Simon Mignolet

Loris Karius was the surprise inclusion in the game against Arsenal for the Reds but we think it’ll go back to normal with Mignolet in goal for this one.

The German Karius just did not look confident against the Gunners.

RB: Joe Gomez

Trent Alexander-Arnold might still be a fitness doubt and so Joe Gomez will likely come in and replace him – as he did against Arsenal.

The young Englishman needs to keep proving himself whenever he gets these big chances to perform.

CB: Joel Matip

The rangy centre-half will surely play and will be tasked with taking care of one of the best attacks in the league.

Liverpool aren’t the strongest defensively but a clean sheet similar to the one they got against Arsenal would go down very nicely.

CB: Dejan Lovren

There are still doubts about Lovren’s ability in the middle of defence and so it remains to be seen just what happens with him in this game.

He could be brilliant but he could be poor and so our local Reds are waiting anxiously to find out.

LB: Alberto Moreno

Moreno has been having a good start to the season and so he could actually play in this game.

It still seems odd to consider him an actual regular for the side but if he keeps at his current level there is no reason why that won’t happen.

CM: Jordan Henderson

Henderson was superb against Arsenal and will need to control things in the middle of the park just as well against City this weekend.

He’s really growing into the role at the heart of midfield and so another big performance will only boost that.

CM: Emre Can

Can, like Henderson, was flawless against Arsenal as he put in arguably his best performance in in a red shirt to date.

It’s time, then, for him to be reaching that level week in, week out and starting at the Etihad wouldn’t be a bad idea.

CM: Georginio Wijnaldum

The Dutch midfielder has been flying this season so far and loves the big games so he’ll be expected to turn up in this match.

He won’t score, though – it’s an away game.

RW: Mo Salah

What a signing Salah looks to be. Our local Liverpool fans have been adoring his early performances for the club and if he gets the winner in this game he’ll be loved even more.