Liverpool will collide against Manchester City in the Premier League tomorrow. Who will come out on top?
The Reds are six points clear at the top of the table and should look to extend the lead by beating the Sky Blues at Anfield. Guardiola’s men have been inconsistent this season due to several injury concerns and the European Champions should take advantage and earn all three points.
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As far as Jurgen Klopp’s team news is concerned, we can expect the German manager to make more than a few changes to the squad that started vs Genk in the midweek Champions League fixture but in my view, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must be retained in the lineup.
Liverpool were unable to beat City last season but in the 2017-18 season, we defeated them three times and on each occasion, the former Arsenal man was in the starting XI.
In January 2018, we won 4-3 at Anfield and Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the star performers on the day. He opened the scoring with a sublime long range strike. Later in the season, he scored a stunning goal with a rocket of a shot from outside the box vs the Citizens in the Champions League fixture at Anfield.
Klopp has mainly started the likes of Fabinho, Wijnaldum and Henderson this season but to beat City, we need someone to make driving runs through the middle and for that, the in-form Oxlade-Chamberlain has to start.
In the last three starts in all competitions, he has netted 4 goals and provided an assist as well. The 26-year-old should start with Wijnaldum and Fabinho in the center of the park.
As far as the attack is concerned, Salah has been highly inconsistent after the international break but with Shaqiri still out injured, I think, the Egyptian should start with the likes of Firmino and Mane.
In the defense, Dejan Lovren should return to replace Joe Gomez and partner Van Dijk in the central defense in front of Brazilian goalie Alisson. On the other hand, Robertson should return to replace Milner in the left back position. Alexander-Arnold should start in the right back position.
Here is Liverpool’s strongest possible 4-3-3 XI vs Man City:
