Who should partner Virgil van Dijk against Man United – Joel Matip’s fit

Victory has eluded Jurgen Klopp at Old Trafford but with Joel Matip back the force is strong with Liverpool in this one. Will he be included in the starting 11 or not?

Not going to hype the oldest conflict between two European powers. Liverpool getting back to their great stature as one of England’s powerhouses, while Man United plunge deeper and deeper into the toilet bowl with a series of poor performances.

This has taken some sting out of the clash, some going as far as saying the Blues of Manchester hold a better outing against the Reds of Merseyside, compared to Ole’s men. However, football’s strange nature doesn’t allow for general physics to take over.

Jurgen Klopp big decision – Joel Matip or not

More from Liverpool FC

• “Dreadful” Liverpool defender was shunned for being “miles off” vs Wolves
• Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s agent FINALLY addresses rumours he’ll leave
• Liverpool will rival Manchester City for colossal Premier League defender
• Liverpool are advancing in talks to extend the contract of “top professional”
• Liverpool lose captain for a further game after ban extended for “abusive” language

The team visiting Old Trafford from Anfield are receiving one boost after the next. They have already welcomed the 2019 triple Golden Glove winner, Alisson Becker. This has automatically improved their defence ahead of Sunday’s intense duel with bitter rivals, United.

Yet, you have to ask would you trust Adrian for the up and coming Old Trafford showdown? There wouldn’t be any questions if Klopp was to rest Alisson for one more game.

Adding to this hike in confidence, the club announced the re-entry of defender Joel Matip. His comeback gives Klopp a bit of a selection dilemma. But this is a far healthy dilemma than not having one or any of them available for selection.

I could go on in saying, Joel Matip has arguably established himself as the first-choice partner to Virgil van Dijk. Yet, what’s missing with him absent?

Any defender will do

For once every player has stepped in and has done their part when called upon. Since Matip went missing there have been no losses obtained by the Reds. They have struggled to keep a clean sheet, yes. Conceding four goals in two games.

However, taking this season’s exhibitions into consideration provides enough evidence Klopp has ample ammunition at the back. Or rather, adequate replacements for first-teamers, baring a few errors here and there. The log leaders from Anfield are the defending kings according to starts.

Liverpool have only conceded six goals in the eight games played. Again, this without their main stopper, Alisson. It’s only in the Champions League where they have failed to stop the opposition from scoring. They’ve let in five in two European outings.

Nonetheless, 11 goals are quite low for the number of games played (12) across all competitions. So… Quite frankly, any defender will do. Matip, Gomes, or even Lovren, and Liverpool will be good at the back. Strange but true. Hate it but it’s the reality of the Reds at the moment under Klopp.

Liverpool appears to be in far better check than their counterparts.