Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is very much aware that the Reds are strong favourites to beat Manchester United this weekend.
Due to poor results and a lengthy injury list, Erik ten Hag’s side come to Anfield were very little to lose, and Klopp has been vocal about not underestimating their opponents.
Even so, if the Reds are to be considered serious title contenders this season, these are the sort of games that they have to win, especially at home.
In terms of the starting eleven, Alisson Becker will be back in goal, having impressed on his return from injury in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. He pulled off two outstanding saves to help his team secure a vital three points.
The back four is likely to consist of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas in the two fullback positions, with Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk as the two centre-halves.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister’s knee injury does give Klopp a selection dilemma. Wataru Endo struggled against Palace, but it’s likely that the Japanese international will be given another chance by Klopp on Sunday evening.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to play as one of the two no.8s, while Curtis Jones may just get the nod ahead of Ryan Gravenberch, who also found things tough in Liverpool’s last outing at Selhurst Park.
Mo Salah and Luis Diaz are set to start on either flank but there is a decision to make as to who should lead the line. Cody Gakpo was very poor against Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday, so that may lead to Darwin Nunez getting a start up front.
Liverpool’s Predicted XI to play Manchester United
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Does Klopp know his best Liverpool XI? Watch our pundits discuss the issue on Shots!TV here