Liverpool play their first game of the New Year when they entertain bitter North West rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. The Reds went into the weekend round of games having opened up a six-point lead over Arsenal with a game in hand at the halfway point of the campaign.

Arne Slot, though, has a number of decisions to make with Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley now back in contention and only Joe Gomez sidelined having suffered a hamstring problem.

And here the ECHO writers consider what Slot may do in terms of team selection for the clash.

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Paul Gorst

The only major selection dilemma for Arne Slot this afternoon is whether or not to hand Ibrahima Konate an instant recall at centre-back due to the injury of Joe Gomez. Konate hasn't played since the 2-1 win over Real Madrid on November 27 but is back in full training, how much is that a risk today though given that length of absence?

For me, I'm sticking with Jarell Quansah at the back alongside Virgil van Dijk with Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold in their usual full-back slots. In midfield, I'm going with Dominik Szoboszlai over Curtis Jones and keeping faith with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister further back. Jones can be introduced from the bench if needed.

I had wrestled with the idea of giving Diogo Jota his first start since October but the Portugal international can be first reserve off the bench, if needed. Luis Diaz continues in the No.9 role with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah either side of him.

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

Ian Doyle

The short trip down the East Lancs Road for Manchester United, and a chance for Liverpool to underline their superiority in the battle between English football's two biggest clubs.

What, then, is Arne Slot to do? With almost everyone available, there are big calls to be made throughout the team.

Not in goal, though. That's Alisson Becker. And Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson can continue at right-back and left-back respectively. And although Ibrahima Konate is back, it's too early for him to start so, with Joe Gomez out, Jarell Quansah can line-up at centre-back alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are the two deeper players. And Dominik Szoboszlai should be given the nod at number 10 just ahead of Curtis Jones, who can be given minutes later in the game.

Up top, Mohamed Salah is on the right and Cody Gakpo down the left. And Luis Diaz has done more than enough to continue down the middle for now.

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

Theo Squires

Assuming Liverpool vs Manchester United survives the weather, the Reds have had a whole week to prepare for this one. With two cup ties looming next, Arne Slot needs only make minimal changes.

Ibrahima Konate might have trained on Friday, but it would be a gamble to throw him straight back in. Jarell Quansah replaces the injured Joe Gomez as a result, with the rest of the back five unchanged.

Dominik Szoboszlai returns after suspension and can take Curtis Jones’ place at number 10.

Meanwhile, having seen Liverpool terrorise both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United over the past two weekends, scoring 11 goals along the way, it’s an unchanged attack with the in-form Luis Diaz again playing down the middle. Diogo Jota will have to wait for that first start after long-term injury.

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

Joe Rimmer

The visit of Manchester United always prompts emotion from Liverpool, no matter their position in the Premier League table. And you can bet it'll be a game of high intensity at Anfield as the Reds look to stay at the summit of the table.

And luckily for Arne Slot, he has an almost full-strength squad to pick from going into the game, with Joe Gomez currently the only senior star sidelined.

It really wouldn't surprise me if Ibrahima Konate is restored immediately to the starting line-up but I see no reason not to trust Jarell Quansah there for the time being. Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk completing the defensive quartet.

In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai's energy levels should come in handy against Manchester United. He would be my pick alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah make my front three, with Diaz down the centre.

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