Two changes as Liverpool go strong
Paul Gorst: So after making fourteen changes across the last two games, one suspects there might be considerably fewer against Manchester United this evening.
The big calls centre around the spine of the team, with perhaps one change coming in each area of the defence, midfield and attack. For me, though, it’s just the two.
The in-form Ibrahima Konate can step out for the return of Joel Matip. Liverpool have conceded five goals in their last two games and while none have been a direct fault of the Frenchman, Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk has been fearsome this season.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: Pick your team to face Manchester United
The question is whether Jordan Henderson returns this evening. Naby Keita was excellent against Manchester City on Saturday, so I’m keeping faith with the Guinea international alongside Fabinho and Thiago. Henderson can return against Everton on Sunday.
Up top, there are claims for both Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, who both started October’s memorable 5-0 hammering. And while it’d be hard to break up the trio who put Man City to the sword at the weekend, I’m recalling Firmino for Diaz. Sadio Mane can shuffle off to the left.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
A little rotation after Wembley heroics
Ian Doyle: Liverpool against Manchester United. The bitter North West rivals. The trip down the East Lancs Road. And other cliches that have been written a billion times.
The Reds, though, are now clearly the dominant force of the two, and they need to underline that fact in the Premier League this evening at Anfield.
What, then, should Jurgen Klopp be doing?
It's time for a little rotation after the efforts at Wembley on Saturday. So Joel Matip can come in at centre-back to join Virgil van Dijk, although Alison Becker stays in goal and the two full-backs are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara have to stay in midfield, even if it wouldn't be a surprise to see the latter rested. The third place can go to Jordan Henderson.
Up front is a tricky one. Roberto Firmino caused United all sorts of problems at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but it's hard to look beyond the in-form Sadio Mane. Diogo Jota can come in on the left and Mohamed Salah stays right.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Jota.
Jota returns and Konate keeps his place
Sean Bradbury: Good news. A full squad for Jurgen Klopp to select from.
Bad news. Some very difficult dilemmas to ponder.
Does he ask players to go again after the weekend win at Wembley? Does he rotate now or is Everton the better chance? Does he look to replicate the team and system that racked up five goals at Old Trafford?
The answer, I suspect, won't be definitive in any of those scenarios.
Roberto Firmino comes in to try and further exploit issues in United's midfield, while Ibrahima Konate keeps his place with Joel Matip saved for the derby. Diogo Jota gets a start too to afford Luis Diaz a breather.
Those who miss out can rest assured they will be needed in the crucial days and weeks to come.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Jota.
