Three key battles in Swansea City v Liverpool

Llorente v Lovren/Matip

Joel Matip has passed his opening four tests as a Premier League player with flying colours after helping Liverpool secure 10 points from a possible 12 since his inclusion in Jurgen Klopp’s side since a 2-0 loss at Burnley. The Cameroon international has looked assured on the ball and decisive in the tackle - and the summer signing has also brought out the best in Dejan Lovren (and Ragnar Klavan last weekend). However, Swansea has proven something of a bogey ground for Liverpool since the Welsh side’s promotion to the Premier League in 2011. The hosts are expected to start with former Juventus striker Fernando Llorente up front on Saturday afternoon. The Spain international is a striker with plenty of pedigree and isn’t afraid to get physical. Traditionally one of trickier away fixtures in the Premier League over the past five season, Matip will need to maintain his standards on Saturday if Liverpool are to make it four successive wins.

Fer v Henderson

Jordan Henderson has been the recipient of praise in recent weeks as the Liverpool vice captain continues to grow in confidence in his holding role. The England international has managed to keep Emre Can out of the side in recent weeks. Henderson will be tasked with keeping a lid on Swansea’s best player Fer on Saturday afternoon. The Netherlands midfielder is adept at getting into positions that can hurt opponents. Fer has already scored three goals in six Premier League games this season, including efforts against Chelsea and Leicester City. If Henderson can prevent the former Queens Park Rangers man from influencing the game then Liverpool will be one step closer to three points at the Liberty Stadium.

Barrow v Milner

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for James Milner in his cameo appearance on Monday Night Football earlier this week. The former England midfielder has excelled in an unfamiliar left-back role over the past four Premier League games. But Milner will be under instruction to mark Modou Barrow out of the Saturday’s lunchtime clash - and it could prove a tricky assignment. The 23-year-old is unpredictable but has the pace and power to hurt Milner and the Liverpool defence. With Llorente relying on Barrow’s crosses to test Loris Karius, it will be Milner’s job to cut off a potential aerial bombardment at the source. Barrow is one of the Premier League’s most-fouled players so far this season so Milner will need to be disciplined, too.