Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is currently preparing to lead his players into battle against bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. The Reds will go into the crunch fixture at Old Trafford off the back of a closely-fought win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stages on Tuesday evening.
Two quick-fire goals from Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita got Liverpool off to the perfect start at the Wanda Metropolitano before Atletico hit back after just 20 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann was the scorer and the Frenchman added another 14 minutes later to draw the hosts level before half-time.
The Barcelona loanee was then sent off for a reckless high challenge on Roberto Firmino before Salah netted a late winner from the penalty spot to hand Liverpool all three points.
The Reds will now be looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the Premier League against United, who are enduring a lacklustre run of form in the division.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have taken just one point from their last three league outings and will face a tough test in downing a Liverpool side who have scored 22 goals in just eight matches.
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However, Klopp will still have a couple of changes to make for the trip to Old Trafford in order to stand the best chance of getting another positive result against their old foes.
Fabinho brings a great deal of balance and defensive solidity to Liverpool’s midfield in his usual role and should come in ahead of Naby Keita on Sunday.
The latter endured a mixed night in Madrid earlier this week, scoring with an impressive volley to double his side’s early advantage before he was hauled off at half-time.
He struggled when out of possession in the middle of the park and has played a large number of minutes over the last few weeks, suggesting that a rest could be in order against United.
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Keita may be forced to settle for a spot on the bench as a result, with Klopp likely to go with his strongest available players for Liverpool’s highest-profile test of the season to date.
James Milner could also be poised to drop out of the starting side in exchange for Curtis Jones, who has excelled in the Premier League for the Reds in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old has already racked up a goal and an assist in just three domestic appearances for Liverpool while creating a pair of goals against Porto in the Champions League earlier this month.
He looks to have emerged as a real asset in the absence of Georginio Wijnaldum and has done enough to warrant a starting spot in the big one against United.
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Meanwhile, Milner played 83 minutes against Watford on Saturday before making a 63-minute appearance in Madrid and, at 35 years of age, could be overloaded if he is used to a similar degree on a regular basis.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be able to draw first blood against United on Saturday as the two Premier League heavyweights come to blows at this early stage of the campaign.
Both sides look to be set for a title challenge over the course of the season, but it seems as though the Red Devils will be the underdogs going into their next fixture.
However, it will be crucial for Liverpool to turn up and prevent slipping off the gas in order to snatch three welcome points from the hosts at the Theatre of Dreams.
