LIVERPOOL PREDICTED XI: HUDDERSFIELD (A)

Liverpool return to action following arguably the most gruelling three week stretch in recent memory.

They enter the weekend level on points with Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the table and look to remain undefeated as they travel to Huddersfield.

GK – Alisson Becker – There are spots in the Liverpool squad where you can expect rotation during the season, but I think Alisson will start most of the matches Liverpool play.

Mignolet might get a few opportunities during the FA Cup and during the holiday period where games come often, but Alisson is the definitive #1 in net and will get the start here.

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LB – Andy Robertson – Plenty of rumours came out this week about Alberto Moreno leaving on a free transfer in the summer and it’s not difficult to see why when Mr. Robertson is playing so well ahead of him on the depth chart.

Moreno’s chances will be few and far between this season unless an injury to Robertson occurs.

CB – Dejan Lovren – Following an impressive performance for Croatia in the World Cup, Dejan returned to the Liverpool lineup against Manchester City and looked to be in tremendous form.

Having four quality central defenders will allow Klopp to rotate when needed and keep the back line fresh.

It’s possible that Virgil van Dijk starts, but I don’t see why you’d risk it after news broke that he’s been nursing broken ribs for several weeks.

Huddersfield’s attack is poor so Lovren should do just fine in van Dijk’s place.

CB – Joe Gomez – A call-up for the England national team was well deserved for Gomez and he looked immense as the Three Lions defeated Spain.

He’s been playing fantastic football and has formed a dynamic partnership with van Dijk that give Liverpool hope their defensive issues are a thing of the past.

He’ll start here alongside Lovren and most Liverpool fans will expect a clean sheet given the opposition.

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold – Trent got a much-needed rest against Manchester City and will be itching to get back into the squad and show why he’s one of the best young players on the planet.

Due to the attacking deficiencies of Huddersfield, Alexander-Arnold should have free license to push up the pitch and offer service to the attacking three.

This will be his breakout game of the season.

MF – Gini Wijnaldum – Wijnaldum has been brilliant for Liverpool in the holding midfield role and delivered a performance to remember as the Netherlands steamrolled a lacklustre German side.

He capped off the game with a sensational goal and it should give him continued confidence to show his versatility and creativity.

MF – James Milner – At this point, I’m not completely confident James Milner is human.

Would it really shock anyone to learn that he’s a cyborg sent from the future to boss Premier League midfields?

Liverpool supporters were left depressed after learning of Milner picking up a hamstring injury set to sideline him 4-6 weeks and were then stunned by the news earlier this week that he was fit and ready for the weekend.

If it weren’t for Naby Keita also picking up a knock for his country over the break, I’d be inclined to rest Milner.

I don’t see Klopp being ready to pull the trigger on Fabinho quite yet (though he’s close) and think James will get the start here and run himself into the ground like he does.

Source: Daily Star

MF – Jordan Henderson – Quite honestly, there’s nothing Jordan Henderson can do at this point to sway those that want him out and believe he’s not worthy to wear the captain’s armband for a club of Liverpool’s stature.

Jurgen won’t care what that small minority of people think though and will start Henderson to compliment Milner’s work rate with his ability to move the ball side and side and up Liverpool’s overall tempo.

FW – Xherdan Shaqiri – With Sadio Mane’s hand injury requiring a minor surgical procedure this week, you know there’ll be at least one change in the front three.

It’s a 50/50 toss-up between Shaqiri and Sturridge for me and quite honestly my opinion changes every other time I think about it.

Sturridge would add a clinical finishing, but I’ll go with Shaqiri and his stronger effort on both sides of the ball.

I also think this game could allow Klopp to experiment with formations much like he did against Southampton and possibly slide Shaqiri into the number ten role that he’s played elsewhere.

FW – Mo Salah – Salah did pick up a slight knock in Egypt’s first game of the break and returned to Liverpool early to get back to full fitness.

That will prove key in making sure Mo is in top shape for this fixture. Huddersfield aren’t afraid to push out from the back and attack bigger clubs which will ultimately be their undoing.

Salah should find space in behind the full back and it’s only a matter of time before he finds his form and bags two or three in a game. Mark it down that this could be that game.

ST – Roberto Firmino – Daniel Sturridge has shown flashes of magic in his limited appearances so far and will get opportunities to start during the holiday period.

I’d stick with your best attackers though when fit so why change things now. Firmino’s ability to press and start Klopp’s gegenpressing along with his unselfish play will be instrumental in breaking through Huddersfield’s defence.

Source: Sky News