Paul Merson has predicted that Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will be snubbed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for Sunday’s massive Premier League visit to Manchester City.
In what could be a Premier League title decider, Klopp’s outfit are set for an enormous trip to Eastlands.
Liverpool are second in the standings, one point behind Pep Guardiola’s side with eight outings left to play.
The addition of Luis Diaz in January has given the Reds an extra dimension, with the Colombia international enjoying a rapid transition to life in English football.
And Merson has told Sportskeeda that the ‘on fire’ South American will start at the Etihad, alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
He said: “Coming to the team news, I think Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz will start up front for Liverpool. It’s harsh on Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino has been known to knit it together for Jurgen Klopp, but Diaz has settled quicker than snow and is on fire.”
Firmino and Jota both started Liverpool’s previous encounter – a 2-0 victory over Watford at Anfield last week.
But honestly, Klopp might regret not starting at least one of them.
There’s no doubt that Diaz deserves to start, given the problems that he’s caused English defences since joining Liverpool.
However, Jota and Firmino being on the bench would heavily indicate that Mane is going to start through the middle – and he’s a winger by trade.
Yes he did well in the midweek victory at Benfica in the Champions League, but this is Manchester City we’re talking about.
The Sky Blues are a thousand miles superior to the Portuguese outfit and a recognised number nine – be it Firmino or Jota – is needed.
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