Liverpool are expected to see a comfortable game on Wednesday as they welcome TSG Hoffenheim at Anfield following their 2-1 win away from home the last leg. However, a lot is at stake given that a win here would guarantee them Champions League football and Liverpool’s tendency to bottle against average and under average opponents should not be a hindrance.
The continuous games for the last two weeks haven’t been of help either and Jurgen Klopp couldn’t shuffle every position given the importance of these results. While the two away goals should be more than enough to see the Reds off to the final group stages, the Bundesliga side would be relentless in their approach. Here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field for this tie:
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Line-up vs TSG Hoffenheim
Defence
Simon Mignolet should continue to take his place under the bar. The Belgian custodian has been a regular since the opening game but the fact that he had to do very little against Crystal Palace, should keep him fresh for the game.
The back four is expected to see some change on the defensive flanks. Following the impressive displays of Alberto Moreno and Trent Arnold in Germany, Klopp had decided to start with new arrival Andrew Robertson and Joe Gomez over the weekend. We expect Moreno and Arnold to return to the side.
The central defence is expected to change a bit this time. The duo of Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip was hardly tested by the Eagles. We expect Dejan Lovren to start this time as he hardly had to play after coming on in the 90th minute.
Midfield
The three-man midfield is expected to see a slight change as Emre Can come in place of James Milner. The 31-year-old midfielder did a decent job of holding the midfield against a side that demanded incessant attacking throughout the game. Although Liverpool’s blunt efforts against Palace should be a source of worry for the manager as they took 73 minutes to break the deadlock, we expect the Reds to get more chance against an attacking side like Hoffenheim.
The middle three would consist of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Can.
Attack
Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the first eleven after Klopp was forced to bring him in the 60th minute to get a goal. Liverpool will plan to score early to put the game beyond doubt and Salah’s availability from the start will be necessary for it. He and Sadio Mane will be flanking Roberto Firmino with Daniel Sturridge returning to the bench.
