Liverpool: This is the back four we want against Manchester City
By David Gate
Center Back: Joel Matip
It has been a much tougher second year for Joel Matip that his first at Anfield. The Cameroonian has had to share the responsibility of a vulnerable defense. While there are others who are more culpable than him, he has not excelled either.
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I could see Klopp going with Ragnar Klavan this week after his solid performances over the last two months. Manchester City will be missing striker Gabriel Jesus who gave Klavan a torrid time in September. That may convince the manager to let the Estonian have another pop at Man City.
However I think the threat of City’s pace means that Joel Matip should get the nod. While he is not electric he carries a little more speed than Klavan and that will be essential on Sunday against Aguero and the buzzing City midfield.
Klopp spoke about putting out his strongest available side against Everton in the FA Cup. Matip made it in to that team. I expect that he will take the right sided center back role this weekend too.