OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would be well advised to bring potential game-changer Xherdan Shaqiri into his starting line up against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Switzerland international has made a big impact on Merseyside this season, and he could seriously affect the outcome on Sunday’s game at Anfield.
Klopp will be wondering how many changes to make from his side’s victory over Napoli on Tuesday night, and four alterations would appear to be enough for the Reds to comfortably defeat the Red Devils.
Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner and Jordan Henderson should miss out against United, with Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Fabinho and Shaqiri coming in for them.
Alisson made an unbelievable save late on against Napoli to ensure Liverpool’s passage through to the Champions League knock-out stages, and Klopp would be mad to drop him here. Andrew Robertson is, likewise, a certainty to start on Sunday.
Virgil van Dijk is assured of his place in the centre of the defence, but the Evening Standard reported on Friday that both Matip and Alexander-Arnold are likely to miss out against United. The former Schalke man is out for around six weeks, while the right back picked up a knock on Tuesday. Clyne deserves a chance on the right hand side, while Lovren is the obvious choice to replace Matip.
In midfield, both Henderson and Milner should drop out here. Fabinho’s physical presence and defensive awareness will be vital when United launch counter attacks, while Shaqiri’s inventiveness will be needed to bring down Jose Mourinho’s stubborn outfit. Georginio Wijnaldum deserves to keep his place in the centre.
The front three are all automatic selections, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane picking up where they left off in mid week.
