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7th March 2024
01:48pm GMT
Liverpool play Manchester City this Sunday in what could be a title decider as number one and two in the Premier League lock horns for the final time in the league this year.
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's rivalry has defined an era in the Premier League, serving up some classics in the past, and as it stands, the Liverpool boss is currently winning the head-to-head with 12 wins, just beating the Spaniard who has 11 victories in their duels.
However, if Klopp is to have any chance of beating the reigning treble winners, then this is the side he needs to line out with:
Liverpool arguably have the best goalkeeper in the world in the form of Alisson Becker.
So, missing him through injury is naturally going to be a blow, but it has been softened by the incredible form of Kelleher, who has stepped up in his absence.
The Irishman has been playing the best football of his career, and has kept clean sheets in his last three games, including the Carabao Cup final where he made several incredible stops.
Conor Bradley has never played against Man City before, so it will be his biggest test yet, but likewise, City have never played Liverpool with Bradley at right back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Englishman scored the equaliser at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season and has been in great form, but Guardiola always attempts to exploit the defensive frailties that come with his game.
With the Tyrone native now at right-back, it will be a different challenge entirely.
The France international has been a rock at the back this season and but did come off against Sparta Prague with an injury, although Klopp said afterwards that it was purely precautionary.
If the defender isn't fit, then Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah will step in, and although both have been excellent this season, there's no denying that Konate is the strongest choice of the three.
Playing arguably his best football since that incredible 2019/20 Premier League winning season, the Dutchman has been central to everything that Liverpool has done well this season.
The captaincy seems to have elevated his game even further, and he has a brilliant partnership with Konate in defence, and as you can see from his winner in the Carabao Cup final, he is equally effective in attack as well.
Choosing Robertson at left-back is harsh on Joe Gomez, who has been outstanding when filling in at either right back, left back, centre back, or centre defensive midfield, and done well in all of those roles.
Yet, alongside Trent, Robertson has more assists than any defender in Premier League history, and for good reason.
The flying fullback is a constant buzz of energy when it comes to getting up and down that left wing, tracking back to his defensive duties, and bombing forward to set up the strikers.
Perhaps the bargain of the season, Waturo Endo solidified Liverpool's defence by replacing Fabinho in the number six role, working as a defensive midfielder who sniffs out any sign of trouble.
Incredibly, since joining the club, the Japan captain has yet to lose a game for the club, which can only be good news for Liverpool fans.
After an explosive start to the season, Dominik Szoboszlai's form had a little dip and then was hampered by a string of injuries, the latest of which he only returned from last weekend.
However, if he is fit, his energy, intensity, and ability to shoot from range will be valuable assets for Klopp against a midfield as formidable as Man City.
And with Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones out injured, it is between the Hungarian international and Harvey Elliot to start. Yet, for his physicality alone, we think Szoboszlai should get the nod.
The World Cup winner picked up the Man of the Match award and an incredible assist against Nottingham Forest and is a guaranteed starter this Sunday.
The Argentina star has been a revelation for Liverpool, and with Endo now playing as a central defensive midfielder, he is free to pick up the number eight role, something which comes more naturally to him.
Mo Salah has only returned to training after coming back from a hamstring injury, but if he is fit, then he needs to start this game, because his record against Man City, especially at Anfield, is incredible.
The scar tissue that he has left some of their defenders and the amount of attention that he will need to keep him subdued would also give the other strikers opportunities to find space and exploit gaps.
Like Endo, Liverpool are yet to lose a game that Darwin Nunez has started in.
The Uruguayan striker is currently in the best run of form since joining the club, and the goal chances are finally starting to turn into actual goals.
Darwin's winner against Forest last week will have the confidence surging through his body as well.
The Columbian has found his feet after a difficult start to the season - understandable given the off-field issues he had to deal with involving his father being kidnapped.
Diaz has been playing well lately, and his directness and courage to take defenders on makes him a handful for any team.
With Diogo Jota injured, the former Porto forward gets the nod over Cody Gakpo, who isn't quite as dynamic up front.
