OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would do well to recall fit-again midfielder James Milner for the team’s vital Premier League clash with Manchester City on Thursday.
The former England international has missed the team’s last two games through injury, but Klopp confirmed at his pre match press conference on Wednesday, as cited by the club’s official website, that he is available once again.
His return should see Xherdan Shaqiri drop to the substitutes bench. It’s harsh on the former Stoke City star, but the Reds need to be more compact against the champions.
Milner playing deeper in central midfield alongside Fabinho should see Georginio Wijnaldum move further forward – a new role for him this season. he’s been playing like man transformed this season and he could be absolutely key on Thursday night.
Alisson is having an extraordinary debut season with Liverpool and Klopp cannot countenance dropping him here. The two centre backs Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren are comfortable in their positions due to injuries to both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip and should both start once again here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have taken up the mantle of the finest full back partnership in the Premier League and will almost certainly keep their places at the back.
Fabinho and Milner will provide a solid-as-a-rock shield in front of the Reds defence, and both players deserve to start in central midfield. Wijnaldum, meanwhile, should move forward in an attempt to provide an offensive boost without sacrificing defensive solidity in midfield.
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can expect to flank the main man Mohamed Salah up front as usual, and they will undoubtedly give the City defence a stern examination once again.
