Three exciting wins combined with four frustrating draws and one humiliating defeat at the hands of Manchester City has left Liverpool stranded on the eighth spot on the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp’s men went into the first international break after a resounding 4-0 thrashing of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal but since has followed it up with just one win and two defeats in eight matches.
On the Champions League front, things have not improved with two frustrating, scoring draws against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow. Klopp will desperately want to put things right and register the Reds’ first Champions League group stage win of the season.
They are currently in the second position in the table, two points behind group leaders Sevilla and tied on points and goal difference with Spartak Moscow. Maribor are perhaps the easiest side to play against in the group and Klopp will be hoping to capitalize on the bad form of the bottom dwellers in the group.
What has been most frustrating for Klopp and his boys is that despite playing entertaining football, his side has failed to capitalize on their chances and a combined effect of missing chances and substandard defending has seen Liverpool held to five frustrating draws.
With Sadio Mane’s injury, Liverpool will have to do without the winger for the big match but Klopp has enough attacking reinforcement to replace the Senegalese. Liverpool will also have to cope without long-term injury absentees in the form of Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne.
Predicted 4-3-3 Line-up Against Maribor
Defence:
Loris Karius is expected to start in goal for Liverpool according to Klopp.
Joel Matip is expected to team up with Dejan Lovren at the centre of the defence and the duo will have to keep their concentration on for full ninety minutes to not concede another potentially silly and avoidable goal.
While Alberto Moreno is expected to start at left back, Nathaniel Clyne’s injury has vacated the right back position and Saturday’s man of the match Joe Gomez will be expected to retain his spot down at right back.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can is expected to man the Liverpool midfield and it will be down to them again to repeat Saturday’s performance and dominate the midfield and press high to create chances for the Reds.
Attack:
Although fit again, Daniel Sturridge is expected to lose out his place to Roberto Firmino with Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho likely to flank the Brazilian forward.
This is how they might line up.
