Dugout Discussion

Salah misses out as Alisson and de Gea recover from injury to start

The only Premier League match to take place this Sunday is a big one, with league leaders Liverpool hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against old foes Manchester United.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 16:30 BST.

The headline team news sees Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) miss out through injury, with Jurgen Klopp telling Sky Sports ahead of the match:

Mo was not ready, that’s how it is. He couldn’t train with the team; I don’t know where it came from that everybody said he will play. There was pretty much no chance for today, maybe for Wednesday [in the Champions League], we have to see.

With Salah missing out, Sadio Mane (£11.8m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.6m) are joined in a front three by Divock Origi (£5.3m).

Alisson (£5.8m) and Joel Matip (£5.5m) have been passed fit to play, however, and rejoin the visitors’ backline in place of Adrian (£4.6m) and Dejan Lovren (£5.3m).

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m), Andrew Robertson (£6.9m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) maintain their ever-present records in the top flight this season.

Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having said he was unlikely to play, David de Gea (£5.5m) has recovered from the groin injury that he sustained on international duty and takes his place between the posts for the Red Devils.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) has also recovered from tonsillitis, joining what may well be a back five for the hosts given that Ashley Young (£5.4m), Marcos Rojo (£4.8m), Harry Maguire (£5.4m) and Victor Lindelof (£5.4m) all start.

Luke Shaw (£5.4m) has failed to recover, however, while Paul Pogba (£8.4m) misses out as expected.

Anthony Martial (£7.5m) is fit enough to be among the substitutes and joins Mason Greenwood (£4.4m) on the bench.

With Martial not in the starting XI, Marcus Rashford (£8.4m) looks set to lead the line again.

The corresponding fixture to this game ended 0-0 in 2018/19.

This re-match indeed sees a meeting between the two sides with the best expected goals conceded (xGC) tallies in the top flight, although that tightness in defence hasn’t translated into too many clean sheets: United and Liverpool have just two each so far this season.

At the other end of the pitch, the Red Devils have the third-worst xG from open play among Premier League clubs.

Mane was the most-bought player of Gameweek 9, with Salah the most-sold.

Wan-Bissaka and de Gea were also shipped out by almost 400,000 Fantasy managers combined.

Salah was the fifth-most-captained player of Gameweek 9, although it’s probably fair to assume that a decent chunk of the 634,160 FPL bosses who handed him the armband may have given up the ghost already.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelöf, Rojo, Young, McTominay, Fred, Pereira, James, Rashford.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mané, Firmino, Origi.

1,461 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Surprised at the amount of flack that Henderson is getting. Liverpool's midfield don't get goals and assists so why are fans asking for him to be the creative hub today?

    Liverpool's midfield has always been about function - winning the ball back and passing it to the full backs and front three to do the attacking damage.

    If Liverpool are not scoring it is the fault of the front three and the full backs. If Liverpool are conceding it is the fault of the CBs and the midfield three.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Timing. He's just been subbed.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Because Klopp wants more creativity. That is the point - Henderson isn't in the team to be creative. And straight after the sub then Fabinho got caught out and got booked for a cynical challenge.

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          I'm not disagreeing btw. Hendo isn't the main issue today.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Klopp choosing to stick him in a role he clearly doesn't excel in is borderline insanity. You've got Keita and James Milner in your options, and you pick Henderson to play as the creative huB?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I don't think Milner and Keita are that good as creative players either tbh. Just not their job in this Liverpool system. Robertson has been anonymous today. I don't see him getting any flack and he is meant to be one of Liverpool's attacking outlets.

    3. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nobody is expecting creativity and goals from him. It is however reasonable to expect him to complete 10 yard passes.

  2. Werkself
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Pool looking very frazzled..

  3. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    why are liverpool showboating

  4. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    My team is looking juicy:

    1
    2 / 2 / 2
    3 / 3 / 2 / 2
    8 / 2 / 2 (C)

    Could have way been worse. Without playing my Wildcard I'd be on 22 with only Lundstram to go.

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, but having a wildcard in hand is worth 20 points 😉

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        No longer having Salah, Otamendi, Barnes, Kelly & Pukki is worth more.

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      3 and 2 out
      For 5 and 4 in

    3. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I am on for 24

    4. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Anything over 30 is a decent performance this week I think.
      Unless Arsenal pull out something there's going to be no major hauls this time.

    5. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty standard this GW

  5. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Lundstram hattrick and CS to save the GW.

    Or even just G+CS would do

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Based on my week I can assure you of a Lundstram red card and Aubameyang hattrick

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I might cry if that happens. Lundstram autosub for Aguero, who I brought in last second for Auba on WC...

  6. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    games on sundays are always horrifically bad

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No they're not.

    2. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Other than the initial excitement of Pukki, the whole season has been a bust.....both in play and in fantasy.

  7. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    TAA free kick. Expecting a goal

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Are you from the future?

  8. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    No Salah, No win. Simples

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No Salah. No party. For Pool that is.

  9. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Definitely one of Rasford’s better games.

  10. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    FPL is fooked this season.

  11. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool getting what they deserve here, performance wise.

    If it only takes 1 injury to the front 3 to shake Liverpool up this badly, City could walk to 5 in a row and beyond, if Pep wants it.

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      City squad depth is unmatchable. Literally can feild two entire different sides and be equally strong

  12. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Honestly can say Henderson is one of the most overrated footballer

    He's no better than any of ndidi mcginn sissoko mctominay or even mark noble

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      McGinn is ten times the player Henderson is.

      1. Lucy2019
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Fred is 10x the player Henderson is and Fred is utter dog shite.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Ndidi is one of the best midfielders in the league. Might even be the best.

  13. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Guys I need to let Adrian go.....who is the best replacement ....I have up 4.7 to spend but looking at Spurs keeper as no one really keeping clean sheets. Advice welcomed

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Ryan gets the save points

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Burnley and West ham have great fixtures, nobody standing out really.

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Stay away from Spurs. Pope or Ryan obvious 4.5 picks.

  14. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    The one thing Pool have struggled with today is the physicality.

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool vs Spurs score prediction if Salah is back?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      4/5-0

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      3-1 Liverpool.

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      3-1

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      3-0

    5. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pool 2-0

    6. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Liverpool as long as i can remember have always blown the league so i fancy Spurs to get one over on em.

      Might not be the best time to dump Son TM.

    7. DF
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      1-2

  16. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Rashford on the counter in the final 3rd and the ball still managed to get past back to De Gea 😆

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Passed*

  17. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Time to give a sloppy goal now

  18. FPL_Sponge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    TAA is a beast. So many spot on crosses from ridiculous positions. Only Liverpool player creating anything. Season keeper.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      For sure, his stats are impressive.

      1. FPL_Sponge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        So is the eye test of a live game

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Agreed.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      basically Liverpools main creative hub this season.What a talent he's become.

      1. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        But he can't even start for England

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      He’s also been outbid position lots today.

  19. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Can we have a Matip goal please

  20. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Mane has been invisible in the second half.

    1. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      This

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      That's because he isn't getting the ball.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        That's part of being invisible

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Forwards need service...he can't will the ball to himself.

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Exactly!

          2. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Kane makes himself involved

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Aguero too.. The top forwards basically

              1. Yank Revolution
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 5 months ago

                Those are link up players, ESPECIALLY Kane, who will come deep to get a touch. Mane is a hybrid forward/winger. Not his style of play.

  21. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    So manu's 3 wins this season are against cl winners Liv, Europa league winners Chelsea and cl hopefuls Leicester, but they can't beat Newcastle, wolves, crystal palace, Southampton, West Ham,. ???

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      The new Wolves.

    2. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      This makes me worried about how much of an average season Arsenal are gonna have.

  22. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hahaha

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Ref got a big wad

  23. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Atkinson is unfit to be a ref. That should’ve been at least a yellow for Young and a yellow for Rojo. He’s standing just behind the incident and decides to do nothing.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I think he is the best ref left in the PL tbh.

      1. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Not sure Atkinson belongs in the select group though.

    3. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I agree United were the better side and fair result aside, Atkinson was shite today.

  24. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Surprisingly, without Salah Liverpool look crap. Yet Salah has been crap for pool. So don't understand it

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Salah takes majority of defensive attention...

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Icy

  25. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Time to make an impact, Naby!

  26. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    It's weird seeing Rojo without a card. It must be coming, surely...

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Plenty of time

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      For hauling down Trent in the box before Mane dispatches the penalty?

    3. JJO
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Well he should already have 1 if it wasnt for this awfull ref

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah he probably should have got one for the Fabinho foul. Don't think the ref's been bad though.

    4. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      His last name should be Amarillo

  27. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    crazy times, another big team defeated by a minow

    1. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      *minnow. If you are going to troll, do it properly.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Best league in the world. What other league do the relegation fodder get wins against league contenders?

      1. Isco Disco
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        La Liga says hi!
        I guess you didn’t see the Real Madrid game yesterday. La Liga is the most competitive league as of now.

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Comical cameo performance so far from lallana

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Grass is green, what else is new.
      Sometimes I feel the reason we sold VanDijk and Mane to Pool for a (now) bargain fee is because we outright robbed them with Lovren, Lallana, Lambert, and Clyne.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        As compensation, y'know?

  29. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Atkinson not giving any yellows to united players then

    1. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      He’s just waiting for us to give him any excuse

  30. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best 80 mins of the season - go on kloppy