1. Philippe Coutinho vs Ander Herrera
The Brazilian maestro is back, and Liverpool will surely be excited. He had been out for close to a month and should start the game after being named on the bench for Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Southampton in the EFL Cup. Herrera will be tasked with the responsibility of shackling the playmaker, and the Spaniard will get definitely be looking forward to getting stuck in. Herrera has developed into a key component for Mourinho’s men in recent months, and will fancy his chances of getting one over on what will surely be a half-fit Coutinho.
2. Origi vs Phil Jones
The absence of Saido Mane in this clash will be crucial. The Senegalese has been in astounding form for Liverpool and will be replaced by Divock Origi, who will be looking at a way to get past Phil Jones. Since coming back from injury, Jones has been nothing short of spectacular, but Origi’s pace and movement may trouble him.
3. Pogba vs Wijnaldum
Jordan Henderson may not be risked for this game, as he is struggling with an injury. The Liverpool captain has grown in leaps and bounds this season, and has become one of the best all-round midfield players in the league. Wijnaldum has been good, not overly spectacular and will have a very difficult job of trying to stop Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old Frenchman is starting to show his quality on a more consistent basis, and should get some joy off Wijnaldum, who is a more attack minded midfielder.
4. Ibrahimovic vs Lovren
Both players have been remarkable all season, but Ibrahimovic surely must be licking his lips at the prospect of going up against Lovren, who is widely known to suffer momentary lapses in concentration. Zlatan has scored 13 times in the Premier League, and will be looking to add to that tally against Liverpool, who have well-documented defensive frailties. If Lovren has a very good game, he has every chance of stopping Zlatan, but a momentary lapse in focus may mean he is picking the ball out of the net
