Alright, let’s dive into how I put together my Liverpool lineup predictions for the United clash at Old Trafford. Woke up this morning with my head buzzing about Klopp’s selection headache – proper big game this.
Step 1: Scraping the injury mess
First thing I did was open three different footy news tabs on my phone while brewing coffee. Checked all the usual sources for Salah’s groin and Alexander-Arnold’s knee status. Ended up scrolling past about twenty “EXCLUSIVE” claims before finding Klopp’s actual press conference quotes. Wrote down in my battered notebook: Alisson definitely out, Konate 50/50, Salah traveling with squad but no full training. My pen nearly ran out of ink crossing off Thiago’s name – that lad’s made of crisps.
Step 2: Old Trafford flashbacks
Dragged my laptop to the kitchen table with toast crumbs everywhere. Rewatched last season’s 7-0 highlights (obviously) then forced myself to watch the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford from March. Noticed three things that mattered for this time:
- United targeted our high line with Rashford runs behind
- Our midfield got overrun when Fabinho had an off day
- Gakpo caused chaos when he came on as false nine
Spilled coffee on my trackies trying to take screenshots. Worth it.
Step 3: The Klopp mind games
Went through Klopp’s last five pressers before United fixtures. Bloke always does two things: bigs up United’s home record then drops lineup surprises. Remembered when he started Milner at right-back in 2019 and we won 2-0. Dug out my prediction history spreadsheet – got 3/11 starters wrong last derby because I didn’t account for his “big game unicorn” picks.
Final prediction assembly
Grabbed my half-chewed pencil and last clean napkin to scribble formations. Knew we’d need legs in midfield against Bruno so went:
- Kelleher in goal (duh)
- Bradley keeping his place after Chelsea madness
- Van Dijk plus either Konate or Quansah if the Frenchman’s dodgy
- Szoboszlai – Endo – Mac Allister midfield trio
- Front three of Diaz – Nunez – Elliott with Salah on bench impact
Changed my mind six times about the right wing. Was gonna put Gakpo there but remembered Klopp prefers compact shapes at Old Trafford – Elliott’s defensive work wins it. Texted my mate Dave who watches U23s religiously to confirm Bajcetic isn’t ready yet. He replied “u mad?” so scrapped that thought.
Ended up posting this prediction with the note: 100% guarantee Klopp does something weird with the left-back position. Always does against these lot. Now just waiting to look like a tit when team sheets drop tomorrow.
