Liverpool would get a chance to forget their frustrating draw in the opening game of the season against Watford as they visit Germany to play TSG Hoffenheim in their UEFA Champions League qualifying round. Champions League nights away from home is always a tricky challenge to meet and Liverpool have a lot at stake.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Line-up vs TSG Hoffenheim
Defence
We expect Jurgen Klopp to start with Karius under the bar in this game. Despite Liverpool’s defence being the biggest culprit for their terrible display against Watford, first choice Simon Mignolet could have done much better for the second and third goal. It was his failure to clear a rebound from Richarlison that led to Watford equalizing in the final minutes of the game.
The flanks are likely to be taken by James Milner and Trent Arnold. Alberto Moreno started the game on Saturday and the boss is expected to give him a rest before they host Crystal Palace, who are struggling to find their pace under the new manager. The central defensive duo is unlikely to change as that is the best Liverpool have at their disposal. We expect Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren to start.
Jurgen Klopp wasn’t spared the criticism following his side’s defensive debacle against Watford and he will be wary of the threat TSG Hoffenheim could bring to the table. The Bundesliga side had an impressive season last year where they managed to score 64 goals in 34 games, Liverpool’s defence will have to do extremely well to stop them.
Midfield
The three-man midfield isn’t likely to change either. Klopp is extremely thin on the bench as Adam Lallana remains out until early October with a thigh injury. We expect the boss to stick with the trio of Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson. The skipper was a doubt for the Watford game with illness before the manager included him late over Marko Grujic.
Klopp wouldn’t want to take any risk with young Grujic given how important winning the first leg of the tie could be for Liverpool.
Attack
We expect Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to start on the flanks with new recruit Dominic Solanke in the centre forward role. Klopp’s first choice option of Roberto Firmino was quite impactful on Saturday but the amount of work rate that the Brazilian puts into his game wouldn’t be suitable for him to play again three days later.
The young forward has shown his capabilities on the pre-season tours and is more than likely to make a difference on Tuesday.
