Liverpool vs. Leicester City: Salah Misses Out on Crucial Clash

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Alisson (GK); N. Williams, Matip, N. Phillips, Robertson; Milner, Wijnaldum, Keita; Mane, Jota, Firmino

Formation: 4-3-3

Speaking about the injury situation, manager Jurgen Klopp said:

"We don’t go for excuses, we have the situation we have, we don’t like the injuries we have because it is really hard for the boys who have the injuries, but all the rest is working on solutions. That’s what we always do. We have solutions in our mind; maybe we think we have the worst situation possible, but the season is long and we have only played eight games, so there will be a lot of problems. I have always said, whoever deals best with the problems in front of them has a chance to be really successful. That’s what we try to be. If somebody thinks we will give up just before the game just because some of our best players – our very, very important players – are not available in the moment for a long, long time, then I cannot help them. We will not do that, we just have to accept the situation and use the situation. [via liverpoolfc.com]"

The big question marks for his starting XI are in defense. Who fills in for TAA and Gomez? It’s entirely possible that Thiago or Fabinho is fit enough to start in the midfield, assuming that Nat Phillips is handed another start alongside Matip, and that would free up Mr. Versatility, James Milner to fill in at RB.

It’s probably not a job he would relish, because he would be facing Harvey Barnes who has pace to burn, but Milner could do the job if called upon. More likely, perhaps, is that Klopp will trust Neco Williams to stand in for TAA leaving Milner free to play in his preferred role in the center of the park. That’s a big test for the young Welshman, but Klopp rates him highly and this could be Williams’ breakout moment against tough opposition.

If Naby Keita is fit he could start and his reemergence could be critical for Klopp ahead of the brutal Festive period. Thiago and Fabinho are likely to make the bench, which means Klopp will have a decision to make between Keita and Shaqiri in the midfield, the latter of course not being a natural midfielder and a potential defensive liability.

There are rumors that Salah could feature in the matchday 18, so perhaps Salah could complete an unexpected return to fitness and give Klopp his happy selection headache in attack. If Salah misses out, as he is likely to do if for no other reason than an abundance of caution, the front three will essentially pick itself: Mane on the left, Firmino through the middle, and Jota out on the right.

PREDICTED LEICESTER CITY STARTING XI: Schmeichel (GK); Evans, Fofana, Fuchs; Justin, Castange, Tielemans, Mendy; Barnes, Maddison; Vardy.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Leicester are currently enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign, even better than the season when they went on to be one of the most unlikely champions in the history of the game.

That’s a credit to Brendan Rogers and his Leicester City side that started so well last season and then faded badly towards the end of last season, especially after Project Restart. They’ve sold one of their best players in Ben Chilwell to a top-six rival and come out the other side better for it.

The starting XI will mostly pick itself, as Rogers doesn’t really have anyone on his bench that is pushing his starting XI and challenging for a place.

That’s not to say that he doesn’t have quality options at his disposal. Cengiz Under is a skillful player that can pick a pass, Demarai Gray is a speed merchant, and Ayoze Perez has played some good minutes for the Foxes since moving from Newcastle.

Look for Leicester to try and take advantage of Vardy’s pace up top, time and time again. This has been something of an achilles heel for Liverpool’s defense this season, and it very well could be again on Sunday if things go according to plan for the Foxes.