Liverpool got a 4-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday, and now face Manchester City in a battle of top-4 sides on New Year’s Day.
The match against City is the first of two games in three days for the Reds.
The line-up should be the same against Stoke in the normal 4-3-3, with the changes coming two days later against Sunderland.
Editor’s note: this Liverpool FC injury report and corresponding analysis was composed by Will Willems (@willdub88)
Go here for the link to the LFC injury report for this match.
Simon Mignolet conceded a suspect goal at the start of the Stoke game, but recovered nicely and made some nice saves that allowed Liverpool to find their footing.
Jurgen Klopp ruled out Joel Matip for the City contest, so barring late setbacks, it will be Lovren and Klavan in the center. Clyne has played every minute in the Premier League this season and Milner will also start against his former club.
In the midfield, Emre Can is a possibility to start, and came on late against Stoke. Klopp has confidence in both Can and Wijnaldum, but it would make sense to keep the chemistry with Wijnaldum, Lallana and Henderson that has been created the past couple of weeks.
Daniel Sturridge has had a big impact in the past two games off the bench, but is going to struggle to crack the starting line-up against City. Mane, Firmino and Origi should continue to start against City, with Sturridge likely to get in the line-up against Sunderland.
Liverpool Starting XI Prediction vs Manchester City
GK Simon Mignolet
RB Nathaniel Clyne – CB Dejan Lovren – CB Ragnar Klavan – LB James Milner
MF Georginio Wijnaldum – MF Jordan Henderson – MF Adam Lallana
RW Sadio Mane – FW Divock Origi – LW Roberto Firmino
Match odds (via OddsChecker.com)
Liverpool 7/5
Draw 13/5
Manchester City 24/11
As always, feel free to post your own Liverpool starting XI in the comments section below. Speak your mind on the formations and line-ups that are already presented here for your discussion.