@AdamMNVi
Out of one big tie and straight into another. After Liverpool edged past the blue side of Manchester with a stellar first half performance at Wembley, this time it’s United. Despite their poor form this season, they would like nothing better than to disrupt the Reds’ title hopes – even if it means helping their neighbours.
But the Anfield advantage will be massive in this one. Liverpool are likely to create a Champions League atmosphere for 90 minutes, and while United will be looking to put memories of the thrashing at Old Trafford behind them, it will be unavoidable if the Reds get on the scoresheet early.
Both teams played on Saturday so there can be no excuses over tiredness, but Klopp should rotate where he can for this one – particularly by introducing Roberto Firmino who was unplayable last time around in this fixture.
Here’s how we should line up:
An unchanged back five sees Ibrahima Konate keep his place with Joel Matip saved for the weekend. The France star was excellent at Wembley, and his goalscoring from set pieces could soon see sides begin to loosen up on Virgil van Dijk in the box.
Fabinho, Thiago and Keita provides maximum aggression in the midfield from the press, and that will only help the Reds’ fast start to get this game out of sight early. Henderson can be introduced later on when United look to play more attacking.
Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah start from the flanks in this one with Roberto Firmino central. Of course, Sadio Mane won’t be too pleased to miss out, but there’s certain games that players suit more.
Jurgen Klopp knows Manchester United are going to come and park the bus at Anfield early on, and that suits a frontline that can maintain spells of possession while being able to challenge defenders in isolated situations when the opportunity arises.
Score prediction: Liverpool 3 – 0 Manchester United
By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
SUBSCRIBE TO THE REDMEN TV – HERE
