Liverpool will entertain Red Star Belgrade at Anfield on Wednesday night looking to bounce back from their bitter 1-0 defeat to Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. The Reds are in need of a victory from this game if they want to ensure qualification into the knockout phases of the competition.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have not fired on all cylinders going forward. However, their defensive record has been quite impressive. It is expected that Liverpool would lineup in a 4-3-3 formation as Roberto Firmino comes back into Klopp’s starting XI for this clash in midweek.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup To Face Red Star Belgrade
Defence
Alisson Becker will resume his goal-keeping duties for the Merseyside outfit after keeping another clean sheet in the Premier League last weekend. Simon Mignolet will play second-fiddle to the Brazilian talent on Klopp’s bench.
The solid centre-back duo of Virgil Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren should continue at the heart of the Reds defence following another resolute display from the pair against Huddersfield Town. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson would resume their responsibilities as the full-backs on either side of the Liverpool backline.
Joe Gomez could be handed a rest for this midweek clash after he was involved for the full 90 minutes versus the Terriers.
Midfield
James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum will start at the middle of the pitch and could be joined by Jordan Henderson, who is likely to feature in the absence of Naby Keita.
The Liverpool midfielders found it difficult to cope with the threat of the Napoli attackers earlier this month when they were often outnumbered by Carlo Ancelotti’s men at the centre of the park. Hence, they need to put on a much-improved showing against Red Star Belgrade at Anfield if the Merseyside heavyweights are to come away with all three points from this European encounter.
Both Milner and Wijnaldum have been in terrific form for the Reds during this campaign so now it would be up to Henderson to nail down a first-team place under Klopp especially due to Keita’s injury.
Attack
Roberto Firmino is expected to lead the lines for Liverpool on Wednesday night despite failing to score in his last four starts for the Reds. Daniel Sturridge might have to settle for a place on the bench following his underwhelming performance versus the Terriers.
This game will come too soon for Sadio Mane, who is still nursing his way from injury. Xherdan Shaqiri might be handed another start in Klopp’s first-team. Mohamed Salah would be unleashed down the right flank as he looks to use their quickness and agility to get behind the Red Star defence.
