Liverpool return to Premier League action with a trip to Brighton on Saturday hoping to keep the significant pressure on in the title race.
The Reds have just suffered their first defeat in 16 fixtures across all competitions – although still have a place in the last eight of the Champions League despite losing 1-0 to Inter on Tuesday – but still boast blistering form in the Premier League as they search for an eighth successive league victory.
They’ll feel confident of doing so on Saturday, travelling to a Brighton side that has fallen to defeat in each of their previous four games.
Here’s how the Reds could shape up.
Alisson (GK) – Has kept five clean sheets in seven Premier League appearances since returning from Covid-19, even registering an assist in that time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – Talking of assists, there’s no chance this weapon (you know, in a good way) doesn’t start.
Joel Matip (CB) – Ibrahima Konate is a slight doubt due to a knock he picked up recently, so Matip should start this one.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – The man-mountain has started each of the previous nine league games since battling his own bout of Covid-19, scoring twice.
Andy Robertson (LB) – In splendid form at the moment, although will be hoping for a first assist in four outings this weekend.
Fabinho (DM) – The Brazilian makes sweeping up in that engine room look so easy and, while his scoring spree looks to be over, he’ll inevitably start once more.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – Should be set to return to the starting XI to skipper Liverpool once more on Saturday, aiming to continue his own brilliant individual form.
Naby Keita (CM) – Thiago might be afforded a rest ahead of a crunch clash against Arsenal in midweek, potentially opening the door to Keita.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 19 goals and a further ten assist in 25 Premier League appearances this term – there just aren’t enough superlatives.
Sadio Mane (ST) – Looks a natural in the centre of a front three, having scored four in his previous three league games.
Luis Diaz (LW) – Should have done enough to retain his starting spot for league matters in what has been a very impressive start to his Liverpool career.