Liverpool can take a huge step towards winning the Premier League title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season with a win over Manchester City on Sunday.
The Reds have struggled terribly with injuries in recent weeks but light is beginning to emerge at the end of the tunnel, with players like Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah expected to start after spells on the sidelines.
Klopp’s team hold a one-point advantage heading into Sunday’s clash, though title rivals Arsenal could shoot to the top of the table by beating Brentford a day before.
Here’s the Liverpool XI Klopp may choose against Man City.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – Alisson is still not available so the Irishman will continue to deputise. This is certainly the toughest test he has faced so far.
RB: Conor Bradley – Klopp could use Joe Gomez here in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been speaking bluntly about City in the build-up. However, Bradley, who scored an own goal against Sparta Prague, is the more attacking option and could earn Klopp’s vote.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The Frenchman is getting better every week and will need to be at his absolute best against Erling Haaland and City’s other incredible attackers. There are some concerns he is dealing with an injury, but fans will have to wait to see how serious it is.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The captain in the team, Van Dijk only played 40 minutes on Thursday and will be fresh to lead his side here. The Dutchman is in great form and will be a major player in both boxes.
LB: Andy Robertson – Having recently returned from a long injury layoff, this is a huge test for Robertson against Phil Foden, who is in the form of his life. It’s definitely an area to watch out for.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The Hungarian will take Harvey Elliott’s place for this match, having only played 40 minutes on Thursday. He will need to be at his creative best and should benefit from Endo’s return.
CM: Wataru Endo – The Japanese midfielder made his first start on Thursday since returning from injury and played the full 90 minutes. Liverpool look a lot more balanced with him in the team.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Another player who will benefit from Endo’s return, Mac Allister opened the scoring against Sparta Prague from the penalty spot.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool have coped well without Salah but are undoubtedly better with him in the side. The Egyptian made his return as a 74th-minute substitute and will get his first club start since New Year’s Day. The Reds need him at his best.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Nunez is enjoying a great run, grabbing another two goals on Thursday night. If he can play well and score here, it will represent a real step forward in his development.
LW: Luis Diaz – Another scorer against Sparta Prague, Diaz has been very reliable for Liverpool this season and will be tasked with getting in behind Man City as often as possible.
