Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man Utd as Gakpo dropped and Ekitike benched | Football | Sport

Liverpool are chasing a much-needed mood lift against arch rivals Manchester United at Anfield this weekend. The Reds welcome their nemeses from down the M62 having lost their last three matches before the international break against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea as Arne Slot faced questions over his tactics after a heavy summer spend.

And the Premier League champions will be desperate to stop the rot against United, who have emerged unbeaten from their last two Anfield trips since that famous 7-0 Liverpool victory in March 2023. Express Sport looks at the team Slot may pick with the Dutch coach facing some tricky decisions, especially at full-back and in attack…

Goalkeeper – Mamardashvili

Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal for just the third time with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson still out injured. The Georgian, 25, is still searching for his first clean sheet having conceded in both of his previous starts against Southampton and Chelsea.

Defence – Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez

Conor Bradley shone for Northern Ireland against Slovakia and should start again despite coming off at half-time at both Crystal Palace and Chelsea, allowing Jeremie Frimpong to be a potential game-changer off the bench. Ibrahima Konate will partner captain Virgil van Dijk once more as they target a first clean sheet since the 1-0 win at Burnley last month.

At left-back, Slot has a decision to make between the experienced Andy Robertson or the energetic Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian should start and could be asked to bomb forward more if Florian Wirtz starts on the left wing.

Midfield – Gravenberch, Mac Allister

Ryan Gravenberch is Liverpool’s best defensive-minded midfielder and will be asked to go again despite playing 135 of a possible 180 minutes for the Netherlands over the international break. Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister scored a brace as Argentine thrashed Puerto Rico in a friendly.

The South American has struggled for form and fitness and noted post-match: “The season hasn’t started in the best way for me, and this moment is important.” Slot is therefore expected to allow Mac Allister to continue building momentum by starting this one.

Attack – Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Salah; Isak

Dominik Szoboszlai’s running power and defensive recoveries should see him start to help thwart United’s threat on the counter-attack. He’s also one of Liverpool’s best players from long range which could be handy against a Ruben Amorim team expected to pack bodies behind the ball.

To his left, Wirtz could be asked to play in a drifting role, the same position he started at Palace. Mohamed Salah is a guaranteed starter on the right as he looks to replicate his Egypt form for Liverpool. The key will be ensuring the veteran winger sees more of the ball against his favourite opponents (he has 16 goals and six assists in 17 games against United).

Up top, Slot must decide between record signing Alexander Isak or the in-form Hugo Ekitike. With Isak trying to find peak form and now edging close to full match sharpness, it’s the Swede who feels likeliest to get the start on this occasion. The midweek Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt could then see Ekitike start against his old club. The Frenchman and Cody Gakpo will be Slot’s main assets off the bench against United.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Man Utd: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Salah; Isak