Jurgen Klopp must make some important choices before Liverpool travels to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime to play a City team that is cruising through the Premier League standings.
Should the journey to the Etihad Stadium in the beginning of April demonstrate the extent of Liverpool’s decline from the team most suited to confront Manchester City, the reunion nearly eight months later might demonstrate the extent of progress made in the reconstruction.
With a new midfield for the manager to build, and 12 league games under their belt, many would have thought that Jurgen Klopp’s revamped team would be a pipe dream when they arrived at City for Saturday’s midday kickoff.
One of the Reds’ most impressive features this season has been their midfield, and Klopp may have his most difficult decision when choosing his starting lineup for the match at the Etihad.
Prior to the international break, Alexis Mac Allister was suspended for the victory over Brentford; however, he returned from Argentina duty unharmed. appears to be destined to start at the deepest lying No. 6 position, with Dominik Szoboszlai a clear favorite to start right in front of him.
It’s harder to predict who will start in midfield in third place, but Klopp has relied on Curtis Jones in similar situations in the past, and he may believe that the local kid has the composure under pressure to perform well in such a demanding setting. Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo, who started against Brentford, will likely be benched, and Ryan Gravenberch will be another option from the sidelines.
The only change to the back line from the Brentford victory might be the addition of Ibrahima Konate in lieu of Joel Matip. The French international hasn’t played for his country yet and might be more suited to handle Erling Haaland’s physicality and pace. Alisson in goal could be followed by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas as the remaining members of the defense.
With his forwards playing fantastically for their nations during the international break, Klopp is as spoilt for choice in attack as always when all of his forward options are available and healthy.
Naturally, Mohamed Salah will play; during the international break, the Egyptian scored four goals in a match for his nation. Darwin Nunez, meanwhile, is also playing very well, having scored three goals in two games for Uruguay.
Gakpo, Luis Diaz, or Diogo Jota will compete for the third spot; given his current form, Portuguese may win it. Klopp may be more inclined to start Diaz off the bench following a taxing break with Colombia.
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Jota were Liverpool’s projected starting lineup.
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