The Premier League returns to action next weekend and Liverpool immediately face one of the top clubs in Manchester City. Now that the transfer window has ended questions are being asked as to the starting lineup. Who will start vs Manchester City? Will Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain begin the game on the pitch? Let's take a look at the probable lineup.
This is an important measuring stick game for the Reds even though it is early in the campaign. Because Liverpool will want to field a strong unit, I don't expect many changes, maybe not any. Sure, it can be argued that Oxlade-Chamberlain should start but with limited practice at Melwood I don't think Klopp will throw him in the starting lineup. However, I would expect to see Oxlade-Chamberlain come in off the bench.
The bigger question is around Philippe Coutinho. Will he return to action? Will Klopp welcome him back? Will Coutinho's frustration with management over blocking his desired move to Barcelona impact his willingness to play for Liverpool? I don't expect the Brazilian to be an issue and I do expect Klopp to welcome his most creative play-maker back to the squad. However, for the same reasons as mentioned above with Oxlade-Chamberlain, I expect Coutinho to start on the sideline as a substitute. I do think it is more likely to see Coutinho start than Oxlade-Chamberlain but believe it is more likely neither start this week. Next week is a different story.
The rest of the lineup should be familiar to Liverpool supporters. Mignolet will return in goal with Lovren and Matip in front of him. If fit, Alexander-Arnold will probably start at RB although Joe Gomez could start especially if the health of Alexander-Arnold is a concern. On the left side, either Alberto Moreno or Andy Robertson will get the nod, I look to see Moreno. Jordan Henderson will play in his familiar deep role with Emre Can and Wijnaldum playing a central midfield role. If Coutinho were to start, Emre Can will probably be the one to sit out.
The front three of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane will lead the Liverpool attack. The combination of pace, skill, and creativity has terrorized defenses and look for more of the same against Manchester City.
In the coming weeks I expect to see some changes to the Liverpool lineup. The most obvious one will be a return of Philippe Coutinho to the starting 11. In addition, expect to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to get a fair share of starts. However, I don't expect to see any changes this week vs Manchester City. Klopp will want the cohesion of the unit that has played so well together in the early part of the season and will look to work the others into the squad in the upcoming weeks.