Liverpool’s injured duo of Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho were planning a return to Jurgen Klopp’s line-up for the Premier League visit of Manchester City.
With the exception of two disappointing losses against Burnley and Bournemouth, Liverpool go into this New Year’s Eve clash undefeated so far this season.
Further, with an impressive 45 goals in their 18 league games, Liverpool are the division’s top scorers – six strikes ahead of the next most prolific team in front of goal, opponents Manchester City.
Despite initially pencilling this fixture against City as the return date for two of their stand-out performers, Liverpool are expected to be without central defender Joel Matip and midfielder Philippe Coutinho – with both not quite ready to be risked following ankle injuries.
Consequently, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is likely to name the same starting XI that overcame Stoke City 4-1, only a matter of days prior to this encounter against Pep Guardiola’s City.
This would see forward Divock Origi retain his place, despite recent encouraging cameo appearances off the bench from former City goal-getter Daniel Sturridge.
The England international striker is close to full-fitness following his latest injury absence, but may be a more effective contributor as a second half substitute – as seen in the Merseyside derby and Stoke victories over the past fortnight.
The form of Origi is another reason not to rush Sturridge back into the starting line-up before he is 100%, as the 21-year-old forward has four goals and two assists in his last six Premier League outings.
With Matip not returning to first team action just yet, Klopp is expected to name the same defensive set-up that has conceded just one goal in the last three matches since Simon Mignolet returned to the fold. The Belgian stopper is due to play behind a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and James Milner.
Klopp’s only possible change to his midfield could see the now fit again Emre Can replace Georginio Wijnaldum alongside captain Jordan Henderson – however, it is expected that Wijnaldum will be given the nod ahead of Can, with the Germany international remaining a substitute.
Liverpool’s roaming front line of Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino are all in great form and the trio are more than likely starters behind Origi, as Liverpool aim to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League victory.
Here is the Liverpool predicted line-up in full:
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