Liverpool in high spirits ahead of Manchester United clash as Jurgen Klopp's cheerful stars playfully exchange hugs and slaps in relaxed training session

  • Liverpool host fierce rivals Manchester United in the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend
  • But the Reds players looked relaxed as they trained at Melwood on Thursday ahead of the grudge match
  • Jurgen Klopp's first-team stars were seen hugging and playfully slapping each other during a cheerful session

By Robert Summerscales For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Advertisement

Liverpool are less than 48 hours away from one of their biggest games of the season... but Jurgen Klopp's players appeared far from stressed as they trained ahead of Saturday's clash with rivals Manchester United.

Manager Klopp was seen wearing a wide grin at Liverpool's Melwood training base, while his first-team stars exchanged hugs and playful slaps during a relaxed session on Thursday.

James Milner and Alberto Moreno - who are rivals for a starting place at left-back - were spotted grappling with each other. 


Liverpool's players were in a relaxed mood on Thursday as they trained ahead of Saturday's game with Manchester United

Liverpool's players were in a relaxed mood on Thursday as they trained ahead of Saturday's game with Manchester United

 Jurgen Klopp's Reds stars were spotted exchanging playful slaps with each other at the club's Melwood training base

 Jurgen Klopp's Reds stars were spotted exchanging playful slaps with each other at the club's Melwood training base

James Milner was seen wrestling with fellow left-back option Alberto Moreno (tattoed legs) as their team-mates watched on

James Milner was seen wrestling with fellow left-back option Alberto Moreno (tattoed legs) as their team-mates watched on

Moreno was also seen grappling with Roberto Firmino, who was much less resistant than former England international Milner

Moreno was also seen grappling with Roberto Firmino, who was much less resistant than former England international Milner

Liverpool have only kept one clean sheet in nine games. But Joel Matip (left) and Dejan Loven looked like a tight partnership

Liverpool have only kept one clean sheet in nine games. But Joel Matip (left) and Dejan Loven looked like a tight partnership

Moreno was then seen cuddling Firmino, while defenders Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip also got close.

Liverpool have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last nine matches but their centre backs appear to have formed a strong bond.

The Reds might find themselves in trouble if they fail to shut United out at Anfield.

Jose Mourinho's side have kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

And United have found the net in each of their last 13 matches.

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) shared a joke with striker Danny Ings (centre) and defender Jon Flanagan

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) shared a joke with striker Danny Ings (centre) and defender Jon Flanagan

Liverpool manager Klopp - who has a strong head-to-head record against Jose Mourinho - was also seen looking cheerful

Liverpool manager Klopp - who has a strong head-to-head record against Jose Mourinho - was also seen looking cheerful

Klopp, who wore a more serious expression when giving a team briefing, has only lost once in seven games against Mourinho

Klopp, who wore a more serious expression when giving a team briefing, has only lost once in seven games against Mourinho

Liverpool will be captained by Jordan Henderson on Saturday when they will be aiming to climb the Premier League table

Liverpool will be captained by Jordan Henderson on Saturday when they will be aiming to climb the Premier League table

Liverpool's strength is their attack, which is likely to be led by Daniel Sturridge, who has scored against United four times for his current club.

Sturridge has been plagued by injury problems throughout his Anfield career but he is currently close to full fitness.

As well as the many individual battles on the pitch, the managerial head-to-head between Klopp and Mourinho will be a subject of significant interest.

History favours the German, who has won three and drawn three of his seven encounters against the Special One.

Henderson and Co will start the weekend seventh but could end it as high as third if results elsewhere go in their favour

Henderson and Co will start the weekend seventh but could end it as high as third if results elsewhere go in their favour

With Sadio Mane out injured, fellow speedster Mohamed Salah will be tasked with stretching the United defence with his pace

With Sadio Mane out injured, fellow speedster Mohamed Salah will be tasked with stretching the United defence with his pace

Brazilian Firmino will need to step it up a level, having only scored twice in seven Premier League appearances this season

Brazilian Firmino will need to step it up a level, having only scored twice in seven Premier League appearances this season

Klopp will likely call on Daniel Sturridge to lead a reshuffled attack. He has scored four times for Liverpool against United

Klopp will likely call on Daniel Sturridge to lead a reshuffled attack. He has scored four times for Liverpool against United

Sturridge, seen doing some stretching exercises, has battled injury and fitness issues, but is currently close to 100 per cent

Sturridge, seen doing some stretching exercises, has battled injury and fitness issues, but is currently close to 100 per cent

Premier LeagueJurgen Klopp

Most watched Sport videos

Comments 121

Share what you think

  View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

  View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.