Michael Owen names the two of Liverpool’s five forwards who will likely start against Manchester City. That leaves room for one more.
Liverpool travel to take on Manchester City next weekend in the biggest game of their season. In fact, it’ll likely remain the biggest of their season unless the Reds make the Champions League final.
It’s a gigantic game, one where the winner immediately becomes favourites to win the Premier League. Neither of England’s most dominant teams can afford to slip up.
And that piles an awful lot of pressure on the two managers. They need to pick the right teams and there’s an incredible amount of talent to choose from. Get it wrong, though, and it could cost you the title.
The big decision for Liverpool, then, is up top. They now boast five fantastic forwards but can only really start three. Who will Jurgen Klopp go with, then?
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Michael Owen believes two of the five are already pencilled in for Liverpool. He told BT Sport that there’s likely only one place left – the Reds’ top scorers will both make the XI.
“[Luis] Diaz didn’t play in the last game, so I think you’ve got to give him a game [tonight vs Benfica],” said Owen. “It’s fascinating – Mo Salah plays all the game. He won’t be too happy if you drop him.
“Mo Salah is probably going to play at the weekend. And [Diogo] Jota looks like he’s going to play as well – and then it’s who’s going to play in that third spot. But let’s make no bones about it – this team is still really strong for tonight.”
We imagine Owen is right on this one. The Reds will want as much threat as possible against City and playing the Premier League’s two top scorers makes sense. The only real question is whether it’s Sadio Mané or Roberto Firmino.
Firmino offers the best playmaking, while he’ll link with midfield better. Mané, though, gives Liverpool an incredible amount of pace on the counter-attack.
Either way, Liverpool look strong – that’s the luxury of this squad depth. It’s far from a straightforward choice, though.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
