With kick-off edging closer, it’s time to predict the side Eddie Howe will select to take on Liverpool today. Here’s what we’ve gone with and why:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
We may have lost last weekend and didn’t really lay a glove on Man City, but I think Eddie Howe will stick with the same XI.
Harvey Barnes will be pushing Anthony Gordon, but the latter was very good at both ends of the pitch against Aston Villa; something he’ll need to be against Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah.
Alexander Isak didn’t get into the game at City but caused Liverpool havoc last season, while Sandro Tonali was too good on his full home debut two weeks ago to be taken out of the side. Joelinton has also been passed fit, so we can expect the big man to keep his place.
At left-back, there’ll be some call for Lewis Hall to come straight in, but it would be very unlike Howe to throw the 18-year-old in at the deep end after just a few days training with his new teammates.
Changes are possible and I could easily be wrong – Wilson, Barnes, Anderson and Longstaff are all pushing for starts – I just think we’ll see Howe stand by the side that blew away Villa in our last home game.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson – Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson – Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister – Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Dan Burn has been very good and reliable however he lacks the pace needed when Liverpool counter as they did last year.
I don’t buy into the suggestion Eddie how won’t risk Lewis Hall due to lack of training and certainly not because he is 18.
If you are good enough which he undoubtedly is you’re old enough.
I would also question wether or not Almiron should keep his place, for work rate unquestionably but for end product not so sure.
I also think Elliott Anderson offers more than Longstaff at the moment for others who should be considered.
Joseph(Quote)