Liverpool line-ups as Federico Chiesa decision made for Manchester United (2024)

Our Liverpool writers pick their preferred teams for the clash at Old Trafford on Sunday

Liverpool will put their perfect Premier League start on the line at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Reds face Manchester United after victories in their opening two matches, as new head coach Arne Slot has steered the team to wins over Ipswich Town and Brentford.

United won their opener against Fulham, although they slipped to a 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

For Slot, this will be the biggest test of his short Liverpool career so far. Our writers have picked their respective XIs for the contest.

Ian Doyle

It's the big one. Well, certainly the biggest one of Arne Slot's short Liverpool reign so far.

And, yes, while the Reds beat Manchester United in a friendly only the other week, this is very much a different kettle of fish.

The Premier League at Old Trafford. What, then, should Slot do?

It would be difficult to change the starting line-up from last week's win over Brentford. So perhaps he shouldn't.

That means Alisson Becker in goal, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate at centre-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Andy Robertson on the left.

There could be a call for Harvey Elliott to replace Dominik Szoboszlai at number 10 but there'll be plenty of opportunity for that once the Champions League starts. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister complete the engine room.

Up top, Mohamed Salah is on the right, Luis Diaz the left and Diogo Jota down the middle.

Liverpool have a lot of options from the bench including hopefully new signing Federico Chiesa. It could be a lively one.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.

Theo Squires

Let's be honest, the Liverpool team is picking itself at this point under Arne Slot after a leisurely start to the season.

No midweek matches so no need to manage tired legs. After two wins out of two, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The back five is as it was against Brentford with Ibrahima Konate keeping his place at centre-back after an impressive display against the Bees.

Ryan Gravenberch faces his toughest test so far at number six, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai making up the midfield, while how can you tinker with the in-form front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz?

It is perhaps harsh on the likes of Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo to remain on outside, looking in, but their game-time will come. Especially with the return of the Champions League after the international break.

Throw in summer signing Federico Chiesa, who has hopefully impressed enough in training to earn a place in the matchday squad, and Liverpool's strength in depth is scary.

Having faltered against Manchester United last season, hopefully Sunday sees the Reds set the record straight and turn a good start to the season into a great one.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.

Joe Rimmer

I like what I've seen from Arne Slot so far. He doesn't mess about. He's all business.

And while this is his biggest test yet, I expect absolutely no messing with the starting line-up.

Curtis Jones aside, Liverpool have a fully fit squad to pick from and the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott - all players who have done damage to Manchester United in the past - in reserve. And that's where they should stay.

Because while Liverpool continue to get to grips with Arne Slot's style, they should keep as much continuity as they can.

So it's an unchanged team, but go on Arne. Stick Federico Chiesa on the bench.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.