John Barnes believes Roberto Firmino should start for Liverpool this weekend as the Reds visit Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp’s men make the trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what could prove to be a crucial game in the Premier League title race.

Klopp has a pleasant selection headache ahead of the match, with Dioga Jota in sensational form following his hat-trick away to Atalanta. There are some who believe Firmino should make way for the Portuguese against Ma City, but Barnes isn’t one of them.

Speaking to talkSPORT, via The Mirror, the Liverpool legend believes Firmino’s style is more suited to Sunday’s match, saying:

Jota scored a hat-trick, but that doesn’t mean he automatically goes into the team against Man City.

I think who plays depends on what the games are and who they’re against and how that team plays.

Against Man City, where you’re not going to have as much possession, maybe Firmino will be a better bet. You need a player like Bobby Firmino to not only get hold of the ball but also do his defensive work.

If you’re playing a game against Atalanta or Leeds, a more open team, they you can see Jota coming in.

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It is a tough decision for Klopp to make, but one which could be so vital come Sunday evening.

I think Firmino just about deserves to start, with his knowledge of matches involving City working in his favour. He has scored five times against them in the past.

Jota doesn’t drop deep and affect play in the manner Firmino does, and it could be that the former is used as a devastating second half substitute instead.

While it may appear as though Jota is in pole position, having started alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in midweek, I expect to see Firmino back in the starting lineup on Sunday.

Should Jota start over Firmino against Man City?

Yes

No