It could have been a climactic season finale but, as it is, Liverpool will have to settle for going to the Etihad as Premier League champions.
Had Manchester City not lost to Chelsea last week, the Reds could have won the title against their closest rivals. Instead, they will have to take satisfaction in being welcomed onto the pitch with a guard of honour.
The game might not have as much riding on it now but, still, it could have interesting implications for next season.
A win for City would reaffirm their determination to topple Liverpool at the summit next term, while victory for the visitors would only entrench their superiority.
Momentum is often carried from one season to another and, were City to build up a head of steam over their remaining seven league fixtures, they could become an even more formidable threat.
Their last five meetings in all competitions have produced two wins for Liverpool, two wins for City and a draw, leaving the two sides suspended in perfect balance. The Reds just edge it on goals scored in those fixtures, with seven to City’s five.
Unbeaten since the Premier League restart, Jurgen Klopp will not want his side’s standards to slip between now and the end of the season.
Here’s how he could set up at the Etihad on Thursday evening.
Defence
Liverpool are still without Joel Matip, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury sustained against Everton. That should see Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez reprise their partnership in the centre of defence.
Unless Klopp decides to give Neco Williams a needlessly horrible baptism of fire, Trent Alexander-Arnold should continue at right-back with Andy Robertson on the left.
Alisson will round off the back five, looming large between the sticks. Williams could feature later on in the game, having made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace last week.
Expected starters: Alisson; Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold
Midfield
Having missed the Palace game after tweaking his hamstring, James Milner returned to training this week and could be back in contention to face his old club. Given that he is working his way back from injury, however, he probably won’t feature until the latter stages.
A midfield three of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum bossed Palace and Klopp is likely to leave things unchanged. They also started together when Liverpool beat City 3-1 at Anfield in November, so complete continuity would make sense.
Expected starters: Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson
Attack
Liverpool’s front three picks itself more often than not and, with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah all fit, it would be a surprise were Klopp to chop and change.
With Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as back up, he has options from the bench. Xherdan Shaqiri was spotted back at Melwood this week, though it is unclear whether he will be available for selection.
Expected starters: Mane, Firmino, Salah
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3ik8cZm
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