Jurgen Klopp previews Man City clash
Liverpool go hunting for a first Premier League win away at Manchester City since 2015 in a top-of-the-table clash today. The Reds face the reigning champions knowing victory would move them to the summit but they have gone seven matches without victory at the Etihad. Express Sport looks at how Jurgen Klopp may line up with several tricky calls to make…
Goalkeeper – Alisson
Alisson will start in goal. He has only conceded 10 goals in 12 Premier League games this season but has kept just four clean sheets. All four of the Brazilian’s shut-outs have come at Anfield.
He will hope to move level with Sam Johnstone and Nick Pope (both five) atop the Golden Glove rankings with a first clean sheet on the road here. Alisson has conceded 13 times in his four previous league trips to the Etihad, though.
Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas
The first of several tough decisions for Jurgen Klopp come in defence. Ibrahima Konate is back in training after a hamstring injury saw him withdraw from the France squad over the international break.
It is between him and Joel Matip to play as the right-sided centre-back and the pacier Konate, who thrives in 1v1 duels, may get the nod. The other headscratcher is at left-back between Kostas Tsimikas and the fit-again Joe Gomez.
Though Gomez is the sounder of the two defensively, Tsimikas – because he is left-footed and allows for attacking overlaps and a better balance to the team overall – should start. He got two assists last time out against Brentford.
Midfield – Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones
Wataru Endo started as the No 6 against Brentford with Alexis Mac Allister suspended but the Argentine will replace his team-mate here. The tireless Dominik Szoboszlai will act as the right-sided No 8.
On the left, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are both back from injury. Summer signing Gravenberch has thrived but Jones impressed at the start of the season and his inclusions allowed for greater security and control in possession.
The local-born midfielder could be the one picked to complete the midfield. Gravenberch is then a handy player to have in reserve along with Harvey Elliott.
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Attack – Jota, Nunez, Salah
The tough decisions continue in attack. Top scorer Mohamed Salah, with 11 goals and five assists in 19 appearances against City, will of course start on the right.
Darwin Nunez scored three goals in two games against Argentina and Bolivia over the break. The Uruguayan has formed a dangerous partnership with Salah and would be a nuisance to an excellent City backline.
He could start over Cody Gakpo, who would drop back to the bench after starting in midfield in the last match. On the left, it is Diogo Jota versus Luis Diaz but the Colombian could be asked to be an impact sub in favour of Jota’s predatory finishing in and around the box.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man City in full: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Jota, Nunez, Salah
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