A victory over rivals Everton was backed up by a comfortable win over Stoke City at home as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool continue their dominance at the top of the Premier League table. They are currently just 6 points off Chelsea at the top and will be looking to keep up the pressure but they face a tough task this week as they take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Anfield. The Citizens are fresh off a 3 game winning streak including a victory over Arsenal but they are expected to find it difficult at Anfield, just hours before the New Years. Both managers will go for the kill and will surely make for an interesting game. Here is the predicted lineup that Klopp might fleld for this game:
Team News:
Liverpool do not have too many new issues to worry about as Danny Ings, Marko Grujic and Philippe Coutinho are all expected to play no role in this game. Joel Matip and Sheyi Ojo will both undergo late fitness tests to prove their fitness.
Formation: 4-3-3
Simon Mignolet:
The first choice shot stopper for Klopp at the moment, Mignolet, had a superb game at home against Stoke and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The English full back put in a decent performance against Stoke and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Manchester City.
Dejan Loren:
Though had his nervy moments at the back in the previous game, Lovren, stuck in well against the likes of Crouch and will hope to have a similar time against Aguero.
Ragnar Klavan:
Injury to Joel Matip will see Klavan keep his place in the first team alongside Dejan Lovren at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
James Milner:
One of the most consistent players in his position in the league at the moment. The former Man City star will hope he can withstand against the pace of De Bruyne, Sane or Navas.
Jordan Henderson:
Ruling the midfield for his side like no other in the Premier League, the Liverpool skipper has been in sublime form this season.
Emre Can:
The German midfielder got a few minutes under his belt in the previous game and he should be bought back into the starting XI to add some balance to the side.
Adam Lallana:
The English midfielder is in the middle of one of his most productive seasons as a player and is an automatic starter for Klopp this season.
Sadio Mane:
The Senegalese winger has also been unstoppable for Liverpool and he will pose a goal scoring threat that needs to be curtailed if City are to take anything from this game.
Roberto Firmino:
Though charged with drunken drive, Firmino, is eligible to play for the club and he should keep his place in the side.
Divock Origi:
Though slowly losing some form, Origi, adds another dimension to the squad and he should start this game ahead of the fit Daniel Sturridge against Manchester City.