Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in what some people are describing as a potentially pivotal match in terms of the outcome of the Premier League this season.
Jurgen Klopp's men are unbeaten so far in the league and currently find themselves six points clear of their title rivals heading into the upcoming top-of-the-table clash.
City have failed to win at Anfield for 16 years and have also been unable to claim a victory over Liverpool in their last three attempts at any stadium. Nonetheless, it is expected to be a close contest, with both sides more than capable of taking all three points.
A win for either side cannot be understated, so with that in mind, here's a look at the starting XI Klopp should pick to face City.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Alisson (GK) - The Brazilian is the club's first choice goalkeeper and is a certain starter. Alisson will be aware of the fact that he is yet to keep a clean sheet in the five matches he has played in since returning from injury and, as a result, he will most certainly be hoping that he is able to pick up his first one on Sunday. It is needless to say that he is expected to be fairly busy in the upcoming clash.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - Alexander-Arnold has picked up exactly where he left off last season and is only getting better and better. The 21-year-old has already provided four assists this season and his role on Sunday will be crucial in helping to provide the width to unlock the Manchester City defence. The Englishman has a very, very bright future ahead of him.
Dejan Lovren (CB) - Right, let's all just take a breath for a moment, Liverpool fans. Joel Matip is expected to be out for Sunday's clash and that means...well...Lovren is likely to start. Joe Gomez is back from injury and has featured in the Champions League, but his fellow centre back has been preferred in the league.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) - Virgil van Dijk takes his place in the heart of the defence. No explanation needed. Next.
Andy Robertson (LB) - Similar to Alexander-Arnold, Robertson is crucial to the way the Reds play and he will be tasked with supporting the attacks with his marauding runs. While the left-back is exceptional in the final third, his defensive play is equally impressive.
Midfielders
Fabinho (CM) - Klopp opted to rest Fabinho in their last match against Aston Villa and that very nearly cost them. The Reds were exposed in the middle of the park and Villa exploited this time and time again. The midfielder will be restored to the starting lineup and he will look to dictate the game whenever possible.
Jordan Henderson (CM) - This was a close one. Oxlade-Chamberlain has been in sensational form recently and many have suggested he should start on Sunday, potentially instead of Henderson. However, the captain is expected to be fit to play and his leadership qualities will be required in a match with so much at stake.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - Wijnaldum is an unsung hero in this Liverpool side, constantly putting in tireless shifts to help his defence while also getting up to support the attack. The 28-year-old has started every Premier League game so far this season and he is most certainly expected to retain his spot in the side for the upcoming fixture.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) - In a response to his critics, Mohamed Salah recently claimed that he does not care what people expect of him. However, the fact of the matter is the Egyptian has five goals and three assists from ten matches in the league this season - and you can be sure that he will be looking to add to this tally on Sunday.
Sadio Mane (LW) - With Liverpool losing 1-0 to Aston Villa, Sadio Mane curled in a delightful cross in the 87th minute, which Robertson powered home. And with practically the last kick of the game, Mane nodded home the winner from a corner to rescue his side and pick up a vital three points. This encapsulates the type of player that he is and the 27-year-old will be looking to have a similar impact against City.
Roberto Firmino (ST) - Firmino is so much more than just a 'striker'. He is the link between midfield and attack, constantly looking to drop deep to get hold of the ball and bring others into play. However, the Brazilian also has three goals and three assists to his name already in the league.
Source : 90min