By Adam Brown (@AdamMNVi)
Diogo Jota, though. The Portuguese winger was playing well before and then found a new level in Italy. A hat-trick of good finishes in Liverpool’s 5-0 win against Atalanta means he has to start on Sunday. There is now direct competition for places in the front three.
Manchester City are up next and Pep Guardiola will be worried after seeing the Reds performance in the Champions League. Still, the Citizens aren’t a side who will sit back which could set up a high-scoring affair.
Klopp has confirmed Thiago won’t feature which should mean a midfield with Henderson and Wijnaldum, but if Naby Keita doesn’t start, we could see 4-2-3-1 preferred to 4-3-3.
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Here’s how we should line up:
Joel Matip is back. The Liverpool manager has confirmed the defender is fit and should start after a full week of training. While Nat Phillips was excellent last week, Manchester City away is the toughest game of the season – experience is needed.
The question this week has been who starts between Jota and Roberto Firmino? I reckon both. The Reds are without Fabinho and Thiago which limits options in midfield, Jota’s form is too good not to start, and Firmino can play behind the striker again – City won’t have an answer for this.
Wijnaldum joins the captain in a midfield behind arguably the best front four in world football. Jota leads the line and will find space as Guardiola tries to deal with Salah and Mane on the flanks.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino could feature from the bench.
City are yet to find their best form this season and may struggle to match the power of Liverpool at the Etihad. This could be a shoot-out which will only benefit the in-form Reds.
Score prediction: Man City 1-4 Liverpool
How does Paul think Liverpool will line up? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below!
