Arne Slot experiments with a new attacking system, leaving a £35m star out: Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Manchester United
Arne Slot is set to unveil a revised attacking setup as Liverpool prepare to face arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
The Reds need to rediscover their winning touch in the Premier League after a difficult spell before the international break, where they suffered three consecutive away defeats.
Back on home soil this Sunday, Liverpool will be determined to respond against a revitalized United side.
Slot faces several key selection decisions, particularly with a few players struggling for form. Here’s the lineup we anticipate the Dutch manager will choose for this crucial clash.
Defence
Slot confirmed on Friday that Alisson Becker will miss at least the next two games, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to make his Premier League debut at Anfield.
The Georgian keeper impressed in his previous outing against Chelsea and now has the chance to prove himself as a reliable option for Liverpool supporters.
Although he was one of the few defenders to emerge with credit from the Stamford Bridge defeat, we expect Slot to stick with the same back line for this fixture.
That would see Conor Bradley build on his excellent international form with Northern Ireland, while Milos Kerkez retains his place at left-back.
Ibrahima Konaté’s fitness was a concern earlier in the week, but after taking part in Friday’s training session, he is likely to start alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Midfield
Unlike last season, when the midfield trio picked itself, Slot has faced new challenges this campaign.
Florian Wirtz’s inconsistent form has complicated efforts to find the ideal balance in midfield.
With Alexis Mac Allister having played a full match for Argentina in the U.S. on Wednesday, Slot may opt to rest him, with Wirtz expected to return in the No. 10 role.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai remain almost undroppable at this stage, and both are expected to start.
Attack
The forward line is where things could get particularly interesting. With Alexander Isak now fully fit, Slot has the chance to start shaping his long-term attacking vision.
Liverpool’s £200m investment in Isak and Hugo Ekitike hints that Slot wants them to play together — something we may see for the first time against United.
So far, the two strikers have been used in rotation, but this match could mark the debut of Slot’s new plan.
He may deploy one striker out wide and the other through the middle, or perhaps adopt a fluid system where Wirtz drifts left and the pair operate ahead of him.
Whatever the setup, Mohamed Salah will resume his familiar role on the right, eager to end his goal drought against one of his favorite opponents.
