Liverpool vs Manchester United: ECHO Writers Weigh in on Potential Starting Lineup

Strategic Insights -

Liverpool and Manchester United are set to face off at Anfield on Sunday, with the Reds looking to end a three-game losing streak at home. With several options available in the forward line, ECHO writers Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle, and Mark Jones weigh in on who should start for Liverpool in attack.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are expected to start for Liverpool against Manchester United, having found the net in their international break games.
  • Both Gakpo and Salah have a strong track record against Manchester United, with Gakpo scoring three goals in his last two starts against the Red Devils.
  • The big question is who leads the line, with Arne Slot reportedly set to decide between Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, with Isak's fitness level being a key factor in the decision.
  • Ian Doyle believes that Hugo Ekitike should start in the middle ahead of Alexander Isak, citing Ekitike's consistent performance this season.
  • Mark Jones disagrees, opting for a front three of Gakpo, Salah, and Isak, citing the firepower of this lineup as the reason.
  • Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones might not start, with Mark Jones suggesting that they should be used sparingly due to their established roles.
  • Paul Gorst thinks that Isak's 'pre-season programme' is coming to an end, and suggests that he would be a good option to start against Manchester United.

Statistics:

  • Mohamed Salah has scored 16 goals against Manchester United in his Anfield career, the most he has scored against any one team.
  • Cody Gakpo has three goals in his last two starts against Manchester United at Anfield.
  • Alexander Isak has been on a fitness programme to get him up to speed, and might make a statement performance against Manchester United.
  • Liverpool has invested over £240m on Mohamed Salah and Alex Isak, making them the two most expensive players in the team.

Sources:

  • Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images (caption)
  • Paul Gorst, ECHO Writer, (source of information about Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Alexander Isak)
  • Ian Doyle, ECHO Writer, (source of information about Hugo Ekitike and the Liverpool forward line)
  • Mark Jones, ECHO Writer, (source of information about the potential lineup for Liverpool against Manchester United)