Liverpool starting XI to face Manchester United – Predicted

It's the one we've all been waiting for: Manchester United (h).

The Reds welcome their bitter rivals to Anfield this Sunday afternoon, with a record crowd expected.

The signs are good for this one too. Liverpool top of the table, having beaten Crystal Palace last weekend, while United's list of problems is almost as long as their injury list.

Erik ten Hag's side crashed out of all forms of European competition midweek (tee hee) with the manager under pressure, amid rumours of the new leadership's interest in Graham Potter.

And, of course, there is the ghost of March's 7-0 hanging over this fixture.

It's perhaps an impossible target to live up to, regardless of the circumstances, and Jurgen Klopp will be eager to avoid over-confidence going into this one, despite being strong favourites.

Here's how Liverpool could line up at this weekend.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

After his match-winning display upon return from injury against Palace, it's a safe bet to assume Alisson Becker will be in goal for this one.

Like the keeper, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk were left out of the Reds' squad for the defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise ahead of the weekend.

Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez played 45 minutes each on Thursday, with Klopp choosing to 'share the intensity'. The Frenchman, despite his regular fitness issues, is probably more likely start at centre back alongside the captain, with Kostas Tsimikas continuing on the left in Andy Robertson's absence.

The Reds haven't conceded a goal at home to United in five years – last giving up a goal to in the 3-1 win back in December 2018.

Midfield

With Alexis Mac Allister all but totally ruled out of the weekend, after Klopp confirmed the gruesome details of his knee injury, Wataru Endo is set to start again at the base of midfield, despite featuring on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Japan captain has found his feet (and shooting boots) in recent weeks and is looking a shrewder signing with each passing game.

Endo is set to make up one third of a midfield engine room composed entirely of summer signings, along with the near ever-present Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.

The Dutchman started the Reds' last Premier League outing against Palace ahead of Curtis Jones, while reluctant 'super sub' Harvey Elliott may have to be content with another bench role.

Attack

Mohamed Salah has scored 12 times against Manchester United in his career – the most against any opponent.

Only disaster could stop the Egyptian from starting at Anfield this Sunday, having been spared the trip to Belgium for Thursday night's dead rubber.

Despite his now nine-game goalless streak for Liverpool, Darwin Nuñez should start as well. The Uruguayan is a professional nuisance, while his link-up and chance creation have been strong in recent showings in lieu of goals.

Nuñez scored twice in last season's famous 7-0 win, as did Cody Gakpo – though the Dutchman will more than likely begin as a sub.

Luis Diaz is a shoo-in for the left wing, with Diogo Jota still recovering from injury.

While Liverpool have been spreading the goals around pleasingly, Diaz, Nunez and Gakpo have not scored in any of the last five Premier League outings – a mildly worrying fact.

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI TO FACE MAN UTD:

(4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nuñez, Diaz