Consistency of selection has been the basis of Jürgen Klopp's setup throughout Liverpool''s incredible run of 19 wins from their last 20 Premier League matches. Now, with a few of his most tried-and-trusted players in the middle of a period of wavering form, and some of the more rarely used members of the squad beginning to show improved form, the manager has some significant decision to make ahead of the biggest home fixture in the club's season.

Liverpool's regular back five and front three will be certain of their places in the starting lineup against Manchester City, but in midfield that same level of surety is missinng. Klopp's standard trio of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, and Fabinho has started the majority of the Reds' matches so far this season, but in recent weeks has come in for criticism as Liverpool have won a succession of games by a single goal. The Reds' tactical blueprint is based entirely on the midfield three recycling possession and giving it to five chance creators — the three forwards and and the two full-backs.

That means the predominantly functional nature of Klopp's preferred three often catches supporters' eyes in a negative sense, even though they're just doing the jobs asked of them.

So, what are Klopp's options against the champions, and how likely is he to pick each different midfield?

The enablers

The captain scored a crucial equaliser for the Regs against Spurs.

Players: Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum

Strengths: All of Fabinho, Henderson, and Wijnaldum perfectly understand the roles delegated to them by Klopp in this Liverpool system. Each player is perfectly happy to allow those around him to be the star men, and all of them possess the kind of all-round skill-sets that mean they can usually perform will against any kind of opposition, regardless of context. As a three they have a superb record of wins, and haven't let the manager down significantly at any stage this season. Wijnaldum and Henderson also provide significant defensive cover when the full-backs on their sides push forward.

Weaknesses: This triumvirate can have a tendency to start slowly in big games, as has been demonstrated in flat openings against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal so far this season. None of the players have the tendency to carry the ball into the opposition half and drive towards the defence, which has been a useful tool for the Reds in previous encounters with City.

Likelihood ranking: Very likely. Rank: 1st

The chaos

Naby Keita is still finding his feet after the injury he suffered against Barcelona.

Players: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Keita

Strengths: For variety of reasons this midfield has only been seen together one occasion, in the 1-4 victory of Genk in Belgium three weeks ago. Both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain caught the eye that night, with the former's ability to keep the ball moving forwards and the latter's pair of spectacular long-range goals helping them stand out from the more cautious men they replaced. Playing Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain either side of City's Rodri could isolate the Spaniard and allow Liverpool the time and space to run at the centre-backs.

Weaknesses: In equal measure, this trio would leave Fabinho woefully exposed in front of the Liverpool back four. Both Keita and Chamberlain are adept at pressing high up the pitch, but neither is much use defensively when running towards his own goal, and with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva  looking to exploit space between the lines, choosing this would be a death wish.

Likelihood ranking: Practically zero. Rank: 4th

The runners

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is pushing for a regular place at Liverpool.

Players: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Wijnaldum

Strengths: This is the one plenty of fans seem to want to see. Oxlade-Chamberlain has played brilliantly against City before, and would offer the kind of dynamism and quick dribbling that Henderson can't match. His forays forward would give Liverpool an extra attacker around the edge of the penalty area, and allow Fabino and Wijnaldum to act as a double pivot to prevent counter-attacks should City win the ball back.

Weaknesses: If Oxlade-Chamberlain does play, it is likely he would start on the right-hand side ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The space in behind the full-back is something City have exploited against Liverpool before, and they will try again here. Oxlade-Chamberlain simply doesn't provide the protection and positioning knowledge in that area that Henderson does, and Liverpool could conceivably be overrun down that side.

Likelihood ranking: A strong possibility. Rank: 2nd

Get the most out of



Follow on social media for tailor-made content:





Make sure to bookmark and check back regularly!

The wise heads

Milner has been deployed at full-back in his recent appearances.

Players: Henderson, Fabinho, Milner

Strengths: James Milner started the last time these two sides met at the Etihad, and Klopp does like having him on the pitch in some regard during Liverpool's most important matches. He was crucial from an offensive and defensive point of view in Liverpool's most difficult previous home match of the season against Leicester City, and created one and scored another of the Reds' two goals. Milner and Henderson's experience of playing in enormous matches for Liverpool, their defensive contributions, and their game-management skills could offer Klopp a solid foundation before bringing the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain or Keita off the bench.

Weaknesses: This is a midfield entirely devoid of pace and would struggle to defend against counter-attacks or start breaks forward of their own. The three possess plenty of industry but a distinct lack of guile, and Milner's penalty-taking aside, it's highly unlikely any of them would make it onto the scoresheet.

Likelihood ranking: A wildcard outsider. Rank: 3rd