Roberto Firmino should return to Liverpool XI vs Manchester United

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Roberto Firmino should return to the Liverpool XI against Manchester United today. The Brazilian started on the bench at the weekend.

Roberto Firmino knows he’s not having his best season – he admits as much.

“It’s been a difficult season for me. We have to be honest, there’s no lack of hope for improvement. My desire is to evolve and grow every day. There’s no lack of motivation for me,” Firmino told ESPN Brasil.

“I judge myself a lot. I know that I’m not at my best compared to the last few years.”

The Brazilian has had plenty of periods over the campaign where he just hasn’t looked anything like his usual self. Firmino has been slow, his decision making has been poor and games have often passed him by.

Yet today’s game against Manchester United may call for Firmino to be in the Liverpool XI.

Firmino to face Manchester United?

The signs do suggest that will be the case. Jurgen Klopp included him in his original starting lineup for this one before the game was postponed.

We think he should stick with that plan.

This will almost certainly be a game with very little space to attack in behind. United don’t need to go for the win, whereas Liverpool do. We imagine they’ll be very willing to sit back on the edge of their box and look for the counter.

That type of game usually calls for Firmino over Diogo Jota. The latter can be absolutely electric against high-lines but if teams don’t push out, he can get a little lost down the middle.

Firmino’s skill in tight spaces, as well as his ability to link with the midfield, should make him the better option there. We also think United’s system could come into play.

They’ll almost certainly lineup with Scott McTominay and Fred as their holding players, judging by those who didn’t face Leicester City. They’ll play as a high-energy two-man shield in front of the defence.

At his best, Firmino thrives against that system, causing chaos and dragging players about – as we wrote a year ago. The key is ‘at his best’, of course, which he’s rarely been this season. But as Liverpool chase maximum points, Klopp has little choice but to back his players to find form.

If he does so, and Firmino finally clicks, the Brazilian should play a key role in getting those three points.