It has been a see-saw ride for Liverpool in the league so far. In the domestic league, they have collected just four wins courtesy of quality attacking football combined with four frustrating draws and two humiliating defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Tottenham. The results have left Liverpool on the sixth spot on the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp’s men need to mount a decent run of form soon if they are serious about challenging for the title.
On the Champions League front, things have improved after they followed up on the two frustrating scoring draws against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow with a 7-0 thrashing of Maribor. Klopp’s men played some relentless football to register the Red’s first Champions League group stage win of the season.
They are currently in the first position in the table tied on points with Spartak Moscow but way ahead on goal difference after routing Maribor.
However, if we are to put aside the Maribor extravaganza, it has been most frustrating for Klopp and his boys this season when it has come to closing matches to pick up all three points. 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 fail to hit top gear yet.
With Sadio Mane’s injury, Liverpool will have to do without the winger up until the next international break at least but Klopp has enough attacking reinforcement to replace the Senegalese. Philippe Coutinho’s participation has also been cast into some doubt with Klopp unsure about the Brazilian’s recovery from a hip problem. 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 be back in goal for Liverpool for the Champions League clash.
Joel Matip is expected to lose Dejan Lovren at the centre of the defence and is likely to be partnered by Ragnar Klavan for a rare easy clash in Europe. While Alberto Moreno is expected to start at left-back, the right back position is likely to go to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can is expected to man the Liverpool midfield with James Milner likely to be rested.
Attack:
Daniel Sturridge will be expected to lead the line with Mohamed Salah on the right wing and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain getting a start on the left.
This is how they might line up:
