LIVERPOOL PREDICTED XI: WATFORD (A)
- Andrew Corns
- Nov 23, 2018
- 4 min read
Liverpool return to action after the final international break of 2018 looking to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the league.
They enter sitting two points behind, but still well within reach entering the busy festive period.
It’ll be crucial that Jurgen Klopp gets the team selection right and keeps in mind the trip to Paris Wednesday night in their massive Champions League fixture against PSG.
GK – Alisson Becker –
Even with a game Wednesday, there’s almost no chance Simon Mignolet gets a look ahead of Alisson in net.
This is one of, if not the easiest positions for Jurgen to pick on a weekly basis. Alisson might be called upon to make a save or two, but his ability to quickly distribute the ball and create counter-attacks will be more important here.
LB – Andy Robertson –
Andy Robertson will be riding high following a couple of good results for Scotland.
There’s possibly an outside shot Jurgen rotates in Alberto Moreno with an eye on Wednesday, but it’s unlikely he’ll want to disrupt his back four given how well they’ve played.
The time for heavy rotation will come in the next 2-3 weeks, but I wouldn’t expect Klopp to mix it up too much yet.
CB – Virgil van Dijk –
Just like Robertson, Virgil will be puffing his chest out leading into the game after scoring an emotional last-minute goal against Germany.
He’s up amongst a small list of players who can consider themselves the best in the world and the influence he has on the pitch is hard to quantify.
I just can’t imagine Klopp not starting van Dijk when he’s fit. He’s that important to the success of the team right now.
CB – Joe Gomez –
It feels like Joe Gomez improves his reputation every time he steps on the pitch whether it’s for club or country.
He’s poised well beyond his years and has all the attributes to join van Dijk in category of best world defenders over the next few years.
Their growing partnership has provided solidarity to a once shaky defence that now looks to be the strongest reason Liverpool fans can dream of claiming their first Premier League title.
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold –
Add Alexander-Arnold to the list of Liverpool players who performed admirably during the international break.
He scored his first senior goal for England in an all-around good performance against the United States.
It looks to me like Trent’s future lies further up the pitch in a midfield or forward role like Ryan Sessegnon or Gareth Bale.
He’s still Liverpool’s first choice right back if Gomez plays centrally and I favour him over Nathaniel Clyne in part due to his ability to create chances for the front three.
MF – Georginio Wijnaldum –
Gini played well for the Dutch in their dramatic draw against Germany and will hope to carry that form into the weekend.
We all know Wijnaldum plays better at home, but he’s become an integral part in this year’s team with his versatility and composure going forward and defensively.
If Klopp opts to use the 4-2-3-1 formation again which I think he will, Gini is the ideal pivot man.
MF – James Milner –
I’m torn between choosing Milner in this match or going with Fabinho knowing Klopp will want to play his best eleven against PSG.
I believe that Fabinho will eventually adapt to the league and Klopp’s demanding style to prove he’s a valuable member of the squad, but Milner is the safer and more comfortable choice.
FW – Xherdan Shaqiri –
Of all the Liverpool players that went on international duty and did well, Shaqiri stole the most headlines with his sensational performance in Switzerland’s victory over Belgium.
He’s looking more motivated and determined than he has in several years and seems to be looking to prove everyone who doubted him and Liverpool’s decision to sign him wrong.
He’s been the midfield player that’s created the most for the Reds over the last month and Klopp will be wise to adapt his system when he can to utilize Shaqiri alongside the dynamic forward trio.
FW – Sadio Mane –
Is there any reason to explain why Sadio Mane gets into the starting eleven?
He’s fit, he’s clearly the best option in this position and even with PSG a few days after, the league should be Liverpool’s focus when team selections are decided.
FW – Roberto Firmino –
There’s no point wasting your time or mine. This choice is the exact same as Mane - he’s fit, he’s clearly the best option in this position and even with PSG a few days after, the league should be Liverpool’s focus when team selections are decided.
ST – Mohamed Salah – Third time’s the charm. Mo is fit, Mo is undoubtedly the best choice at his position and Klopp needs to make sure Liverpool get all three points while also hoping Salah’s form climbs back to its peak.
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