Liverpool will entertain Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night as they look to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie. The Reds managed to grind out a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend which will give them some momentum heading into this highly-anticipated European showdown at Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp has no new injury worries ahead of this clash but could reinstate Thiago Alcantara back to his midfield with the hope that the Spaniard can create some decent chances in the opposition half. The Liverpool head coach will instruct his players to win the ball back high up the field and engineer some clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities to handsomely win this contest.
Here are three things Klopp should do to ensure a victory for his men versus Los Blancos.
Keep Firmino As The Spearhead Of His Attack
Roberto Firmino showed some glimpses of his brilliance against the Villans last weekend, so he should get the nod to start ahead of Sadio Mane, who is low on confidence and completely out of form. Firmino has the potential to produce a moment of magic in the final third which should make him a guaranteed choice to lead the line for the Reds in midweek.
Play Milner In Midfield And Use Him To Protect Alexander-Arnold Defensively
James Milner rolled back the years and delivered a solid performance versus Dean Smith’s men last Saturday. The English veteran has the experience to cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold when he ventures forward and leaves his teammates exposed at the back. Therefore, Klopp should think about starting Milner ahead of Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been average at best of late.
Furthermore, Liverpool can use someone of Milner’s leadership qualities and use Wijnaldum off the bench as they did in that famous 4-0 win over Barcelona two years ago. And we all know how that turned out.
Use Mane And Shaqiri Off The Bench
Mane’s performances have been poor recently but he still has the ability to run in behind the Madrid backline that makes him an ideal option to be introduced off the bench. If the Senegalese winger is on his game, he can make a real difference in the second half.
Xherdan Shaqiri produced a great cameo as a substitute against the Villans last weekend. Klopp should definitely think about using him as a late-game substitute if the Reds are in need of a goal by then.
