Arne Slot tries something new in attack and £35m star is dropped: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Man United

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool simply have to get back to winning ways in the Premier League as they face arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield.The Reds had a week to forget prior to the international break, losing three consecutive away matches.Thankfully, Liverpool are back at home on Sunday, and will need to show a reaction against an improving United.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Arne Slot has some big decisions to make over a number of out of form players.

Here’s the XI we’re expecting the Dutchman to send out for another headline fixture.Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty ImagesDefenceSlot confirmed on Friday that Alisson Becker will miss the next two matches at the very least, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will make his first Premier League appearance at Anfield.Mamardashvili was good against Chelsea last time out, and will have the chance to cement himself as a goalkeeper Liverpool fans can rely on.If the Georgian was good at Stamford Bridge, then he was just about the only member of the Liverpool back line to emerge with any kind of credit.Nevertheless, we expect Slot will keep things the same when United come to town.That will mean Conor Bradley has the opportunity to build on a terrific break with Northern Ireland, while Milos Kerkez will remain in situ at left-back.READ MORE: Troy Deeney provides ‘nailed-on’ prediction for Liverpool vs Manchester UnitedIbrahima Konate‘s fitness has been the cause of some concern this week, but the Frenchman trained as normal on Friday and if he remains fit, we’d expect him to start. Virgil van Dijk is nailed on to play beside him.MidfieldWhereas the midfield three largely picked themselves last season, Slot has had to contend with a different scenario this year.Florian Wirtz is the main reason for that, and the German’s disappointing form has not helped Slot keep a settled three.This time, Alexis Mac Allister playing 90 minutes for Argentina in the USA on Wednesday should make the selection a little easier for Slot.

Alexander Isak is now fully fit, meaning Slot can finally begin to shape exactly what he wants from his forward line.In our opinion, you don’t spend £200m on Isak and Hugo Ekitike without wanting to get them in the same team together, and we think this is what will finally happen on Sunday.So far, Slot has used the two centre-forwards in a rotational capacity, but we think a first glimpse into the masterplan will be afforded against United. Liverpool’s predicted line-up vs Man United