Arne Slot makes call on Ibrahima Konate's fitness and £60m man returns: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Man United
01/04/2025 02:00 PM
Liverpool are preparing for arguably their biggest game of the season on Sunday as Manchester United head to Anfield.
The two teams could hardly be heading into the match in more opposite form.
While Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League table, United are sitting in an incredible 14th position.
And as Arne Slot gears up to face former Liverpool managerial candidate Ruben Amorim for the first time, here’s the XI we think the Reds boss will put out at Anfield.
Defence
Normal service has been resumed in goal for Liverpool of late and Alisson Becker will once again be in between the sticks on Sunday.
Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will play at right-back, with the spotlight heavily on the 26-year-old. As Real Madrid continue to push for Trent, it will be fascinating to see the reaction the Anfield crowd has towards him.
On the opposite flank it’s likely that Andy Robertson will go again while Virgil van Dijk is certain to captain the side as usual.
The big decision for Slot comes in regards to who will partner Van Dijk at the back. Ibrahima Konate is back in training after more than a month out of action. And although Jarell Quansah may feel he is owed a chance, we think Konate is coming straight back in.
Midfield
Liverpool are set for boost in midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai returning from a one-game suspension.
Szoboszlai has been good of late and after having a 10-day break from action, the Hungarian is a nailed-on starter here.
So too is Ryan Gravenberch, who is still at risk of a suspension himself. Should Gravenberch pick up a caution against United he’ll the next Premier League game against Nottingham Forest. But he’s too important to leave out.
Alexis Mac Allister is likely to complete what is still Slot’s first choice Liverpool midfield.
Attack
Liverpool have six attackers to pick from once again with Federico Chiesa spotted involved in full training during the week.
Diogo Jota is also surely ready for a start after scoring the final goal in the win over West Ham.
However, we think Slot will overlook both players in favour of a forward line which is as good as anything Liverpool have had for years.
Mohamed Salah loves playing Man United and will be looking to extend his brilliant record against his favourite opposition.
Meanwhile, both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo deserve the chance to build on their brilliant recent form.
