The transfer window is now officially closed. With no more addition to the squad, each team is set to begin the process to accomplish its season objectives.
Liverpool FC is now holding the seventh spot on the league table after beating Stoke City and Bournemouth, grabbing a point from Arsenal and losing to West Ham United by three goals.
With Manchester United up next, the Reds needs a positive result to bounce back from their poor result against West Ham.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet
Despite conceding three goals at Anfield in the previous fixture, the Belgium international will still remain as the Reds’ number one choice in front of the goal.
Right Back
Nathaniel Clyne
The former Saints star has more than justified his £12.5m price tag by bringing his immense talent and pace to the Liverpool backline. The English international has the second highest successful tackles (2.5) per game behind Joe Gomez (2.8 successful tackles/game) as a defender for the Reds so far in the league. His form makes him one of the most consistent players by far in the red shirt.
Center Backs
Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren will continue partnering up as the center of the Reds’ back four. Skrtel has been a crucial part for the Reds for several seasons, and he is likely to continue his starting role.
Lovren has been enduring a shaky start since he signed for Liverpool FC but he looks more confident and dominant at the back compared to last season. Despite the mistake he made which led to the second goal by West Ham United, he is still likely to be picked by Brendan Rodgers as Skrtel’s defensive partner.
Left Back
Joe Gomez
The former Charlton youngster’s promising performances has put Alberto Moreno on the bench so far this season and his tactical awareness as well as physical attributes make him a solid defender for the Reds. Despite lacking experience, the 18-year-old has a bright future under Brendan Rodgers, and he is expected start the game for the Reds at Old Trafford.
Center Midfielders
James Milner, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson symbolize the work-rate and winning mentality that will push the entire team to go further in the long run. Milner, the English international who arrived from Manchester City, brings his experience and calmness to the center of the field. He will surely be key in the Reds’ success against Manchester United this weekend.
The 21-year-old German international, Can, has a successful passing percentage of 83.6, which only put him behind James Milner, who has the highest successful passing rate of 84.9% among the Reds’ midfielders this season. Can will provide both discipline and flair from the center of the field for the Reds.
The Reds’ skipper, Jordan Henderson, will undoubtedly secure a starting spot at Old Trafford; he has been consistent and showing a leadership that the Reds desperately needs after the departure of Steven Gerrard.
Right Wing
Roberto Firmino
The suspension of Philippe Coutinho will give Firmino a chance to spark his flair from the start at Old Trafford. Even though there’s not yet a goal or assist in the league under his name, his skills will bring an immediate impact on the field, and he is expected to prove his worth on the night.
Left Wing
Adam Lallana
The ex-Saints skipper will be a reasonable choice for Brendan Rodgers to start the game in Old Trafford. As Jordon Ibe is not yet ready for a regular XI spot, Lallana is set to star against United and his experience is what makes him a better choice than any other winger in the team selection.
Forward
Christian Benteke
Following an injury scare, Benteke is expected to be the target man for the Reds in Old Trafford. The Reds’ new signing missed out Belgium’s European qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday (Sep 3rd), but had returned to action for Belgium against Cyprus on Sunday (Sep 6th). His strong presence in the air and off the ball movement will be crucial for the Reds to get a positive result in Old Trafford.
(4-5-1)
Via – Lineup Builder