Liverpool will hope to keep their title dreams alive with a victory over bottom-of-the-table Swansea at home. The Hard Tackle brings to you the team news from the Saturday early kick-off.
Twenty days into 2017, the Reds are yet to secure their first Premier League victory, which isn’t exactly the way things are supposed to be when you are harbouring dreams of lifting the title in May.
Swansea visit Anfield next as Liverpool begin a run of four home fixtures on Saturday spanning all competitions that could effectively decide the fate of their season.
Having already made an appearance as a substitute against Manchester United last week, Philippe Coutinho is touted to make his first Premier League start in two months since he suffered an ankle injury against Sunderland back in November.
The Brazilian’s return will be a welcome addition to Klopp’s side and he’s likely to feature him and country-man Roberto Firmino in attack, hence sending Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi to the sidelines once again.
The duo failed to impress in their last couple of outings and will hence be forced to sit out although they maybe considered for selection against Southampton.
Joel Matip finally received clearance to play for Liverpool after FIFA reached a conclusion in his truce with the Cameroon FA pertaining to his opting out of participation for the African Cup of Nations.
The German-born Cameroon international was forced to miss games against Manchester United and Plymouth Argyle owing to the FIFA ruling but is now free to play.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal progressed through to the knockouts of the AFCON and is hence expected to miss the remainder of Liverpool’s action in January, including a crucial encounter against Chelsea on the 31st.
Simon Mignolet impressed against Manchester United and he is expected to keep his place once again against the Swans.
Nathaniel Clyne makes a return from the injury that kept him out of action at Old Trafford last week during which period Trent Alexander-Arnold acted as a more than viable replacement for the England international.
James Milner returns to his customary left-back position after having Alberto Moreno take his place for the FA Cup replay against Plymouth during midweek.
There are no further injury worries for the Reds as they look to reignite their title challenge during the second half of what promises to be an exhilarating Premier League season.
