Liverpool will entertain Barcelona at Anfield on Tuesday night looking to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie. The Reds managed to grind out a 3-2 win over Newcastle United last weekend which should give them some confidence heading into this clash.
However, Jurgen Klopp will be without the services of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino which will be a significant blow to the home side’s chances of completing a turnaround in midweek. The Reds could take the field in a 4-3-3 formation with both Divock Origi, and Xherdan Shaqiri set to feature from the start.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup To Face Barcelona
Defence
Alisson Becker will lineup in between the sticks for the Merseyside outfit as he looks to keep the Barca forwards at bay on Tuesday night. The Brazilian keeper has to find a way to keep a clean sheet if the Reds are to have any chance of pulling off a comeback in midweek. The defensive duo of Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip could operate at the heart of the Liverpool backline as they look to dominate their own penalty box and keep Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi quiet on the night.
Trent Alexander-Arnold should get the nod to start at right-back as he tries to whip in some dangerous crosses from the right flank. Andrew Robertson was arguably Klopp’s best performer at the Nou Camp, so he is a guaranteed starter at left-back versus the Catalans later this week.
Midfield
Klopp might opt for the midfield three of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho as he looks to keep things stable at the middle of the park. Maybe going for a few experienced heads in midfield could give Liverpool an edge in front of their home supporters. Naby Keita will miss out on this contest due to injury while Adam Lallana is a significant concern to recover in time for this European encounter.
However, it is expected that both Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be available on the Liverpool bench and might come during the clash if required.
Attack
Roberto Firmino is unlikely to feature in this contest while Mohamed Salah has also been ruled out after the Egyptian winger suffered a serious head injury against the Magpies last weekend.
Hence, Klopp might be forced to opt for a frontline consisting of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi stretching the pitch on the flanks while Sadio Mane spearheads Liverpool’s attack up top. The Senegalese speedster is versatile enough to operate as a centre-forward so he will be the home side’s most potent weapon in the opposition half.
Daniel Sturridge could get a chance to feature from the bench if needed.
