Slot to axe Jones, two changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Manchester United
Arne Slot is expected to make two changes to his Liverpool starting line-up when they host Manchester United on Sunday.
Curtis Jones might be axed for Dominic Szoboszlai for the clash with the Red Devils despite an impressive performance in the 5-0 win at West Ham (29 December).
Joe Gomez went off through injury in the 37th minute in the victory at the London Stadium and Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he will be out for a few weeks.
The Dutchman did provide a positive update on Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley as he announced that they had returned to first-team training.
Liverpool to make two changes for United clash
Alisson Becker is predicted to start in between the sticks, he kept a first clean sheet since returning to the starting line-up in the win over the Irons.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to keep his place at right-back with Bradley only just returning to training, he recorded a pass accuracy of 87 per cent, created three chances, made 14 passes into the final third and made 11 recoveries against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Jarell Quansah might get the nod next to his compatriot as Gomez left the pitch with an injury against the Hammers and Konate has only just returned, in a 53-minute cameo, the 21-year-old recorded a 100 per cent pass accuracy, made six passes into the final third and three recoveries and won the only aerial duel that he contested for a 100 per cent success rate.
Captain Virgil van Dijk is predicted to partner the youngster, he recorded a 93 per cent pass accuracy, made three clearances, two recoveries and won all seven total duels he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate in an imperious performance in London.
Andy Robertson is expected to continue at left-back, he recorded a 92 per cent pass accuracy, made nine passes into the final third , won two out of three attempted tackles for a 67 per cent success rate and won four of five ground duels contested for an 80 per cent success rate.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are predicted to continue their excellent partnership at the base of midfield.
The Dutchman recorded a pass accuracy of 93 per cent, created three chances, made four passes into the final third and one interception against the Hammers.
Meanwhile, the Argentine recorded a pass accuracy of 89 per cent, created three chances, made 13 passes into the final third, ten recoveries and won three out of the four tackles he attempted for a 75 per cent success rate.
Dominik Szoboszlai might replace Curtis Jones due to his off-the-ball work, the Englishman shone against the Hammers recording a pass accuracy of 95 per cent, created two chances, made three passes into the final third and won three of four tackles attempted for a success rate of 75 per cent but he is expected to be rested.
No changes in attack
Mohamed Salah is expected to continue on the right wing after notching a goal and two assists against the Irons to take his record to 20 goals and 17 assists in 26 matches in all competitions.
Luis Diaz is predicted to carry on in a central role after his performance in East London, he scored the opening goal, recorded a 97 per cent pass accuracy, created two chances, had eight touches in the opposition box and made five passes into the final third.
Cody Gakpo might continue on the left, he scored in the contest, notched a 94 per cent pass accuracy, created two chances, had five touches in the opposition box and made two passes into the final third.
Slot’s charges will be hoping to maintain their six-point lead at the summit of the Premier League which could be reduced to three with Arsenal playing on Saturday (4 January).
A victory for the Reds against their arch-rival will feel extra sweet given the circumstances that the clubs find themselves in, with United trailing the Reds by 23 points before kick-off.
In other Liverpool news, a Chelsea star has been identified as the perfect Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement if he leaves for Real Madrid.
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