4-3-3: Klopp To Make 1 Key Change | Expected Liverpool Line-Up vs Man City

Liverpool can tighten their grip at the top of the table with a positive result when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night. Here is the team we think Jurgen Klopp will select:

Goalkeeper: I don’t think there can be any debate over who’ll start in goal as Alisson Becker has made a huge difference since joining Liverpool from Roma last summer so he’s certain to keep his place between the sticks with Simon Mignolet on the bench once again.

Defence: Klopp will obviously go full strength for this titanic clash so he’s expected to field his preferred back four. Joe Gomez is still recovering from a fractured leg while Joel Matip remains on the sidelines with a broken collarbone so Dejan Lovren will continue alongside Virgil van Dijk in the middle of defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been excellent for Liverpool this season so he’ll keep his place at right-back ahead of Nathaniel Clyne while Andrew Robertson should start once again after another tireless performance against Arsenal. Alberto Moreno will therefore have to make-do with a place on the bench.

Midfield: James Milner is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury that’s kept him out of Liverpool’s last two games but he has plenty of competition if he wants to start in midfield.

Klopp has gone with a 4-2-3-1- formation in some recent games but I think he’ll revert to a 4-3-3 to provide another body in the middle of the park against the Man City attack.

Milner will be in Klopp’s thoughts but I think Jordan Henderson may get the nod for a recall with the England international lining-up alongside Fabinho and the ever-impressive Georginio Wijnaldum.

Attack: The switch in formation is likely to see Xherdan Shaqiri drop to the bench. The Swiss international has been an excellent signing for Liverpool but Klopp is not going to drop any of his three key attackers so Shaqiri will have to settle for a substitute role.

Roberto Firmino was among the goals against Arsenal as he netted a hat-trick so he’ll lead the attack against City. Mohamed Salah was also on the score-sheet last time out and the Egyptian sensation is expected to start at the Etihad tomorrow.

Sadio Mane also netted last weekend so he should complete the attack with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Adam Lallana all having to make-do with places on the bench.

Here is how I think Liverpool will line up: