Liverpool v Man Utd starting XI prediction – the bench will win it!

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Sadio Mane and Naby Keita during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on February 9, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Sadio Mane and Naby Keita during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on February 9, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Joel Matip Injury Liverpool
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Defense

Alexander-Arnold – Matip – van Dijk – Robertson

Although there are still some injuries at the back, things do not look as bleak as they did a week ago.

More from Rush The Kop

When news broke that Dejan Lovren was out and Liverpool had to face Bayern with a center-back partnership of Joel Matip and Fabinho, fans feared the worst.

The reality ended up being that both players had a fantastic game and limited the German side to practically nothing all night. In fact, they played so well that it won’t be an easy decision for Klopp as to who to partner with Virgil van Dijk.

Ultimately, it’s likely Matip will edge the decision based on two factors. Firstly, he’s an outright center-back and dropping him for a midfielder would crush his confidence. It would be a struggle to see him play again this season if this happens.

The other element on Matip’s side is actually his rival for the position. Fabinho provides the Reds with so much in midfield that it’s tough to see Klopp willingly passing that up if Matip has proved he can perform.