Liverpool are on a tragic run of form as their home run of about four years at Anfield in the Premier League finally ended after the 0-1 loss to Burnley. The Reds haven’t played anywhere near the level they have been associated to in the last couple of years. Klopp will be looking to get a result at Old Trafford as the Reds face the Red Devils in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
For the game against Burnley, Klopp didn’t start the likes of Salah and Firmino to give them some rest for the United game. But unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan as Liverpool lost the game even after both the players came on later. With Premier League title hopes fading away, Klopp might try to win the FA Cup to get their hands on at least a silverware, never mind the competition.
Let us now have a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side up against Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is the best system Liverpool have played under Jurgen Klopp and might do it again against arch-rivals Manchester United. The front three haven’t scored goals for Liverpool in the recent past and it has been a huge concern for Klopp and the rest of the Liverpool fans. Mo Salah has been awful in the last few games and seems to have lost his touch and this might just be the best time to bench him.
The struggle for the front three has been related to the lopsided form of the full-backs of Liverpool, Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both the side-backs have looked poor going forward and have lacked the intent of providing good chances. They have been Liverpool’s most creative players and their lack of form has directly coincided with the front three not scoring goals in the recent past.
The Red’s midfield also has lacked creativity and Klopp would hope for Thiago to bring his magic boots to the game. Manchester United can be exploited at the back if Liverpool play at their best but need to create chances. Curtis Jones and Thiago will have a lot to do in such a system if both of them play as they are progressive players.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the only other system Klopp has used at Liverpool in games where he feels the team needs some solidity in the midfield area. This system allows Liverpool and there expansive full-backs to express themselves where they can create chances. With Alexander-Arnold in a poor run of form, James Milner is likely to get the nod ahead of the youngster as he is Mr. reliable for Liverpool.
The addition of Joel Matip to the heart of Liverpool’s defence will surely be a boost to the team as they have earlier used Henderson as a centre-back. Matip should bring the solidity in the back for the Reds but the defensive pivot will still be under immense pressure. Henderson and Thiago should make a great pivot as both the players complement each other’s qualities.
