Jurgen Klopp fields his strongest possible XI against arch-foes Manchester City with the duo of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino both given starts, despite widespread speculation that only of the attacking pair will be a part of the lineup to take the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.
Joel Matip returns to the XI for the first time since Liverpool FC’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United last month, and the centre-back’s availability could not have come at a better time for Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp, going up against City’s frontline of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Bernardo Silva.
To accommodate for Jota and Firmino, the Reds only have two central midfield options amongst their XI, as Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijanldum will be given more defensive duties to keep the hosts at bay from finding the back of the net.
Xherdan Shaqiri features on the bench and the Swiss winger will be looking forward to making a lasting impact later on in the game if required, with Naby Keita too amongst the substitutes following his return to the first-team fold after his positive COVID-19 test.
Here is how both sides lineup for the upcoming Premier League fixture:
Liverpool FC XI
🔴 TEAM NEWS 🔴
The Reds to face @ManCity 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 8, 2020
Manchester City FC XI
The boys going into battle! 💪
XI | Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Gundogan, Rodrigo, De Bruyne (C), Torres, Sterling, Jesus
SUBS | Steffen, Stones, Ake, Zinchenko, Bernardo, Foden, Garcia
⚽️ @HaysWorldwide
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/P9JLhGmR8V— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 8, 2020
