Liverpool’s quest for an unprecedented quadruple continues on Tuesday as they host Manchester United at Anfield.
Having progressed to the Champions League semi final and FA Cup final in the last week, focus now returns to the Premier League and chasing down Manchester City at the top of the table. And a win over the Red Devils - or even a point, not that that would be welcomed - would see Jurgen Klopp’s side go to the summit for at least 24 hours.
The German has a fully fit squad to call upon as they look to replicate the kind of performance which saw them win 5-0 at Old Trafford in October. Portuguese forward Diogo Jota could be set for a recall, having started on the bench for Saturday’s win over City at Wembley.
Liverpool are in the midst of a manic month of fixtures and having rested a number of key stars for the second leg with Benfica, Klopp opted to start Sadio Mane in a central role, flanked by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
Jota and Roberto Firmino are therefore the Reds’ freshest attackers and both could be in line for a recall against their old rivals. Similarly, Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip are also options, having been given a rest against City.
Speaking about their opponents, Klopp made sure to heap praise on the work Rangnick has done to make them tougher to play since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of last year.
“Obviously, I think, Ralf tried to organise the team, that’s how it is, put in a clear structure with the squad they have,” he said. “United played some really, really good games but because it’s United even when you win the games it’s difficult to gain some momentum, I can imagine. But they concede less goals, for sure.
HAVE YOUR SAY! How will Liverpool fare against Man Utd at Anfield? Let us know in the comments
“They’ve dropped some points if you put them on their points tally you see all of a sudden they are fourth in the table and being fourth in the Premier League means you are a quality side because the other opponents you have it’s madness how consistent they’ve been to get somehow close to that area.”
United go into the game having beat Norwich City 3-2 courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, a result which keeps them in touch in the race for a Champions League berth.
Klopp added: “United’s obviously in a situation where they won the last game, they were not happy with the performance but the result and the results from other games have opened the door again for the Champions League again.
“And that’s the Man United we will face now. They will go for it. I’m sure if they want to qualify for the Champions league they’ll have to do it without our points, but between now and then, an intense 90, 95 minutes will have to be played.”
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man Utd: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.
