LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED XI - MAN CITY (H)

Credit: Liverpool FC

Liverpool go into the clash with defending champions Manchester City down on their luck. Klopp's team are without a win in three games and put in a terrible performance vs Napoli in the Champions League this Wednesday.

It places the Liverpool manager in an interesting place to see whether he sticks to his guns with his strongest available team, in the hopes players like Mohamed Salah see a sudden up-turn in their game, or risk changing it up to see if he can find solace in the rest of his squad.

From my point of view, I think it is worth making several changes. Manchester City are no pushover team, but Liverpool need to find something to get their spark back fast.

While it is possible that Naby Keita could still make the squad, after being given an all-clear in Italy, he should be rested just to be safe.

Instead, I think the midfield should consist of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum. It's not the most creative option, but I think it'd fare better with Wijnaldum in the number six role which he's thrived in this season, with Milner and Henderson ahead of him.

The defence I wouldn't change from the strongest possible lineup. Alisson Becker in net, Joe Gomez to partner Virgil Van Dijk in centre back, with Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the fullbacks.

The front three is the most difficult to pick. None of the preferred starting players have hit top gear so far this season.

I don't think Salah is in as much of a "crisis" as the media is painting him out to be in, but he didn't play well against Napoli.

He's a very passionate player, and you can tell he's disappointed if he doesn't create or find the net.

I think it would be best for him to start on the bench. I think Shaqiri has shown enough quality to get another start, and he's got the pace and the power to continue to cause issues down the right flank in Salah's absence.

I also think Firmino could possibly be benched. I think he's been the worst performer out of the front three this season, so far. His work rate and technique are top class, but when he has a bad game, the whole team suffers as a result.

It may be worth starting Sturridge, who has been fantastic so far this term off the bench.

Sadio Mane is the only one of the first choice three that keeps his spot. He's done pretty well so far and his electric pace and agility frighten even the most composed defenders out there.

Source: ReadLiverpool