A 3-0 win at Derby County makes it three straight wins for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. The Reds return to the renovated Anfield this weekend against the surprising Hull City.
The manager rested a few of his key players in preparation for this match and everyone should be raring to go to put on another great match in front of the home fans.
This is the kind of match that Liverpool have struggled with before but Klopp has stressed the importance of not taking the Tigers lightly. Hopefully the message gets through to his players.
Goalkeeper
Loris Karius is not guaranteed to start but giving him his Premier League debut against a side that doesn’t have a lot of firepower makes sense. The young German was impressive against Derby in the EFL Cup and Klopp might decide to see if he can lead the team to their first clean sheet in the Premier League this season.
Right-Back
Nathaniel Clyne started in the middle of the week but given his consistency and the lack of an immediate alternative, he will start again. Look for Clyne to once again put up an above-average display this weekend.
Center-Backs
The pair of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are slowly learning to play together but they already look like the first choice defenders under Klopp. While Abel Hernandez is not the most fearsome striker in the league, Matip and Lovren cannot let their concentration slip at all.
Left-Back
Whoever plays in this position will likely face Hull’s leading scorer in Robert Snodgrass and that matchup is why James Milner is the better choice. Milner, who is still learning the position, is somehow the safer defensive option ahead of Alberto Moreno. While having the Spaniard’s attacking prowess would help, the rest of the squad has more than enough creativity to break down the Hull defense.
Midfield
Despite Emre Can’s return against Leicester, there is no reason for Klopp to change the trio of Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. All three have started the season well and they are adjusting well to what is pretty much a new position for all of them.
Right Wing
Sadio Mane might not have as much room as he has in previous matches but he should be more than up to the challenge. Mane’s willingness to track back has been a pleasant surprise this season. Look for him to continue charging up and down the pitch for this match and beyond.
Forward
Daniel Sturridge has missed a few training sessions this week. That probably means that Roberto Firmino will lead the attack against the Tigers. Firmino’s movement and energy should open up a Hull defense that will likely focus on counter-attacking.
Left Wing
With yet another goal against Derby County, Philippe Coutinho has started the season in fine form. The magician is well on his way to breaking his personal goal record and netting another one on Saturday would give him a leg up in what is becoming a very competitive squad.
