As the Premier League season comes close to its midway point, the oldest of rivalries in the league unfolds another chapter of its own. Liverpool play hosts to Manchester United this weekend in the Premier League as the top two sides in the league table take on each other. Klopp will be keen to get Liverpool back to winning ways and it won’t get any better than winning against bitter rivals Manchester United.
The Reds have been poor in the league recently and will look to keep their recent forms aside while facing United. The Red Devils have had a great season till now but Liverpool at Anfield will a whole new ball game altogether. Klopp might have to be a bit conservative in his team selection against United, as they have been great going forward.
Let us now have a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side up against Manchester United as the battle for top spot heats up.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Liverpool’s standout system and formation in the Jurgen Klopp era at the Kop, with the Reds winning almost everything possible at club level. But Klopp’s main concern will be the Liverpool defence, as the manager barely has an experienced fit centre-back available in the squad. Henderson and Fabinho will be expected to play as the centre-back pairing which doesn’t look very appealing against a string United attack.
The midfield will have to do most of the defensive duties as well because of the weak centre-backs. Thiago isn’t well known for his defensive side of the game and will play a huge part in deciding the game for Liverpool. Curtis Jones and Gini Wijnaldum will be expected to accompany the Spaniard in the midfield, as both of them as workhorses. Both the midfielders have been in good form this season and have shown the world their value.
The full-backs of Liverpool will come in handy for them as well, as Manchester United have defensive full-backs. Robertson will surely bomb forward to join in the attack to cause problems to United down the left flank. But Liverpool will have to be wary of the pace United have up-front and need to match it anyhow.
THE 4-2-3-1
The only other system Klopp has used at Liverpool is the 4-2-3-1 but it hasn’t been very effective without Diogo Jota, who is currently injured. Thus, this system looks unlikely to be used but can be used to contain Manchester United. The Reds haven’t done well in the Premier League lately and will be looking to take big fish and the top spot in the league table.
The likes of Mane, Salah and Firmino have been under-firing in the last month and will need to be at the top of their game for Liverpool to win. Salah is the only one who has clicked this season and will look to make it count against Manchester United, like he normally does. Firmino will play in the hole in such a system and will be responsible for dragging the opposition centre-backs out of position to create space for Salah.
