Liverpool and Manchester City go head to head on Sunday in the Capital One Cup final at the Wembley Stadium. City come into this match on the back of an away victory against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Wednesday while Liverpool managed to sneak through to the next round of Europa League after defeating Augsburg at Anfield on Thursday night. However, both the teams have hit a slight rough patch in the Premier League and hence will be desperate to win some silverware on Sunday.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
There is no doubt Klopp will want to start with his number one goalkeeper on Sunday. The Belgian has been under the scanner this season after a string of shaky performances but can answer his critics in the best way possible with a solid game against the attacking threat of City. Needs to be more commanding when dealing with crosses into the box.
Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno
Both Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren returned to training this week but it is unlikely that either of them will be fit enough to start on Sunday. Hence, Sakho will partner Kolo Toure in the centre. Toure will be up against his brother Yaya but you can rest assured that there will be no love lost between those two. Clyne will start on the right, while Moreno will be positioned on the left. Moreno has improved vastly since his move to Liverpool. He provides an outlet on the wing when the team is on the attack and has the ability to deliver some teasing balls in the box.
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, James Milner, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho
Adam Lallana and Joe Allen returned to training this week, but are unlikely to feature from the start. Therefore, Klopp will have to go with the same midfield that started against Augsburg on Thursday. Can will partner Henderson in central midfield. Can’s energy is very essential to how Liverpool on a given day, while Henderson has completely transformed himself in the last two years and is now seen as a leader in the team. Firmino and Coutinho will be on the flanks, where pace will be vital when Liverpool go on the counter attack. Both the Brazilians are known for their ability to drive forward at defenders. Milner is the most consistent performer in this Liverpool and doesn’t shy away from putting in a full shift also.
Striker: Daniel Sturridge
Such an important player for Liverpool when fit, his impact is second to none in that Liverpool squad. Klopp must be delighted to have his striker fit and firing before such an important game. If Liverpool are going to win on Sunday, they will need a big performance from their main man surely.