Liverpool starting lineup vs Manchester United - predicted

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Liverpool face one of the toughest remaining challenges of their season this Sunday when they make the difficult trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. 

The Reds have already clashed with their rivals on two occasions this term but have failed to come out on top on either occasion, most recently suffering an agonising and late 4-3 defeat in the FA Cup quarter-final in Manchester.

However, with Jurgen Klopp's side vying with Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title, Liverpool can't afford any more slip-ups between now and the end of the campaign.

Man Utd may be in dismal form this term, but they have still proved a thorn in Liverpool's side, and Sunday's match-up will be incredibly tough regardless of recent results.

Here is how Liverpool could line up against Man Utd this weekend.

GOALKEEPER & DEFENDERS

© IMAGO - Bournemouth v Liverpool Premier League 21/01/2024. Ibrahima Konate 5 of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England on 21 January 2024. Bournemouth Vitality Stadium Dorset England Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright: xGrahamxHuntx PSI-18861-0191

Klopp still has a few defensive absentees, including Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip, but he should be able to field a strong backline regardless.

Caoimhin Kelleher, who was in fine form during the 3-1 victory over Sheffield United on Thursday, will be starting in between the sticks, while captain Virgil van Dijk is guaranteed to start.

Ibrahima Konate suffered a slight knock against Sheffield United after a hefty challenge in the second half, but he managed to see out the match and should be available on Sunday.

Conor Bradley was unfortunate to score an own goal against the Blades midweek but may be replaced by the more defensively sound Joe Gomez at right-back.

Andy Robertson managed a wonderful assist for Cody Gakpo on Thursday and was instrumental in Liverpool's late victory, so he should feature from the start at Old Trafford.

MIDFIELDERS

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Alexis Mac Allister has been in simply sensational form lately and scored another screamer against Sheffield United. He has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month for March and will be a key creator for the Reds at Old Trafford.

He started as a number six against the Blades due to a slight injury to Wataru Endo, but the Japan international should be fit to return against United according to Klopp, thus allowing Mac Allister more freedom as a number eight.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been a little hit-and-miss for the Reds since his return from injury and is still struggling to rediscover his early season form. He still has a strong chance of starting against United.

However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Curtis Jones, who returned for his first minutes since mid-February on Thursday, or Harvey Elliott start in his place.

FORWARDS

© IMAGO - Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Sheffield United FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, April 4, 2024: Liverpool s Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sheffield United FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2024-04-04-Liverpool_Sheff_Utd-18

Mohamed Salah was visibly frustrated to have been substituted on the hour mark against the Blades but his place in the starting lineup is, of course, not at risk. He has a fantastic record against the Red Devils and scored at Old Trafford before the March international break.

Luis Diaz has been back to his electric best in recent weeks and has a goal and two assists during his last four appearances for club and country. He has played a lot of football lately, but he always works tirelessly in a red shirt.

There will have been huge relief for Cody Gakpo on Thursday after scoring a late goal to end a barren run in the Premier League, but he is likely to be an impact sub from the bench again at the weekend.

Darwin Nunez also got on the scoresheet against the Blades with a typically bizarre goal and was incredibly lively after a quiet afternoon against Brighton last weekend. He will be in the starting lineup to help punish an injury-hit Man Utd backline.

LIVERPOOL PREDICTED STARTING XI VS MAN UTD

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

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