The 8th round of the new Premier League season will feature a highly anticipated clash between two top sides, as the Reds, Liverpool, host the Red Devils, Manchester United.
Recently, Liverpool, who had been performing strongly across all competitions, have suddenly fallen into a slump. Including their 0-1 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, Liverpool have now suffered three consecutive losses, with two of those coming in the Premier League. These back-to-back defeats have seen Liverpool slip from the top of the Premier League table to second place, overtaken by Arsenal, who now lead by one point. After seven rounds, Liverpool have 15 points. If they cannot halt this downturn soon, their Premier League title hopes may gradually fade.
If Liverpool’s slump is short-term, their opponents Manchester United are in a much more worrying situation. After seven rounds, United have only recorded three wins, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League with 10 points, far behind the title-contending group. In terms of overall strength, Liverpool are naturally superior to Manchester United, but considering recent form, the two teams are roughly on par. Given that Liverpool recently lost to a mid-table side like Crystal Palace, their victory against Manchester United this round is far from guaranteed.
To shake off recent setbacks, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is expected to field his strongest lineup without reservation. Below is a predicted starting XI for Liverpool in this match.
In goal, with Alisson injured, the 25-year-old backup goalkeeper Mamardashvili is expected to start. In defense, Liverpool are likely to continue with their usual four-man backline, with the starting defenders predicted to be Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konaté, and Robertson. Van Dijk and Konaté will form the center-back pairing, while Kelleher and Robertson take the right and left full-back positions, respectively.
In midfield, the main defensive midfielder, responsible for interceptions and ball recovery, will undoubtedly be Dutch star Gini Wijnaldum. Partnering him in the double pivot is expected to be England international Curtis Jones. Ahead of them, summer signing Wirtz is likely to be heavily relied upon to orchestrate the team’s attacking play. Supporting him on the flanks are the wingers Gakpo and Salah. Salah has been somewhat out of form recently and will be eager for a statement performance.
Up front, the new main striker Ekitic will lead the attack, shouldering the responsibility of driving Liverpool forward.
Based on the above analysis, Liverpool’s predicted starting XI against Manchester United is:
Mamardashvili; Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Curtis Jones, Wijnaldum; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Ekitic.
