Liverpool will lock horns with Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night, hoping to pick up all three points in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League competition. The hosts will be heading into the game on the back of a 3-2 loss to Braga, whereas the Reds recorded an encouraging 2-0 victory over Watford.
Team News
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be ready to make a comeback in midweek. Curtis Jones and Joel Matip are also expected to be in the travelling squad despite picking up minor ankle and head knocks respectively, but Naby Keita remains a major doubt due to his knee issue.
Jurgen Klopp will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. In midfield, Fabinho might get the nod over Curtis Jones, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Benfica
Defence
Alisson Becker should operate between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Brazilian shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Tuesday.
Joel Matip will form the centre-half partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s backline.
Andrew Robertson is a guaranteed starter at the left wing-back position, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The full-backs will be expected to stretch their side’s attack in the opposition half.
Konstantinos Tsimikas will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Midfield
Fabinho might start in the holding midfield position and could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the away side’s back-four.
Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara will slot into the central midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal scoring chances for the front men.
Attack
Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Diogo Jota will lead the line against Benfica in midweek. The Portugal international will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the defence that has conceded six goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
Roberto Firmino could come off the bench in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
