Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were given a reality check in the first game of 2017 as they were held to a point by David Moyes’s Sunderland, who are struggling for survival this season. This game sees them stay more than 5 points off the top of the table but Klopp can now turn his attention to the domestic FA Cup that starts this weekend. Liverpool will play Plymouth at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup this year and they will hope to secure a place in the next round without much of fuzz. Klopp was not serious about this competition in the previous season but will surely look to advance as far as possible this time around. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Team News:
Liverpool are still without the services of star players Joel Matip, Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings for this clash. The skipper Jordan Henderson will undergo late fitness tests to prove his levels while Sheyi Ojo and Joe Gomez are expected to play a role in this game. Marko Grujic is ruled out but the English pair of Daniel Sturridge and James Milner, who hobbled off in the previous game, are expected to be fit for this game. Sadio Mane is off to the AFCON and is not available for more than a month.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Loris Karius:
After failing to get into the first team after his mistakes against the Hammers, Karius will get his chance to impress the manager in this game against Plymouth.
Trent Alexander Arnold:
A trustworthy player for Klopp, Arnold has been superb when called upon at right back for the Reds and he should start this game for Liverpool.
Lucas Leiva:
The Brazilian has been decent as a center back this season for Liverpool and Klopp will hope to start him there, for this FA Cup tie.
Ragnar Klavan:
Though gave away a penalty in the previous game, Klavan has been decent at the back and should keep his place in the first team.
Alberto Moreno:
The Spaniard will not get too many chances to prove himself and he will have to be at his best in this game to stop the Reds from spending on a left-back in the transfer window.
Kevin Stewart:
The English midfielder has not been able to get a game under his belt in the Premier League recently but he will get a chance to start in the midfield for Liverpool in this game.
Emre Can:
The German midfielder was atrocious at times in the draw against Sunderland but Klopp will trust him and give him another chance in the midfield this weekend.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
To add some mettle to the midfield, Klopp should star Wijnaldum in the midfield for his side in this game at Anfield.
Ovie Ejaria:
Another youngster who has been excellent for Liverpool recently, Ejaria should make up the 3-man midfield for Liverpool in this game.
Sheyi Ojo:
Having returned to full fitness coming back from injury, Klopp will not get a better chance to start him than in this game against Plymouth.
Divock Origi:
The Belgian got less than half an hour in the previous game and he should be pushed into the starting XI for this FA Cup tie.