Jurgen Klopp’s men surrendered a 3-0 lead in the second half on their trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan in their UCL encounter earlier this week. However, they will have to put that result out of their system quickly, as they are ready to welcome English Champions Chelsea this weekend to Anfield.
The Blues put on a show against Qarabag in their European tie earlier in the week and are fresh from back to back 4-0 victories in the span of four days. However, Liverpool have a chance to equal Chelsea’s points tally with a victory in this tie. Both teams are expected to go for the kill and have usually produced entertaining affairs and here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds are still without the services of Nathaniel Clyne, who might not return before the turn of the year. Adam Lallana and Joel Matip are however, back to training and are expected to feature in this tie. Klopp has no other injury issues to worry about.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
Though Loris Karius was impressive against Sevilla, Klopp has stuck with Simon Mignolet on goal in the league and should give the Belgian a start in this game. Joe Gomez had a decent night in Spain and is expected to feature at right-back, having been dropped from the previous league game.
Alberto Moreno had a nightmare back in Sevilla but has been generally sound, this season and should keep his place at left-back. Dejan Lovren, who has been struggling this season, put in solid performances in the last couple of outings and should keep his place alongside Joe Matip, who should replace Ragnar Klavan, now that he is fit.
Midfield:
Skipper Jordan Henderson drew the most criticism for his performance against Sevilla but Liverpool will need their skipper in full spirits if they are to take anything from this tie. German ace Emre Can failed to control the midfield, coming off the bench but is expected to be given a chance to start this weekend.
Adam Lallana is back in training but is not expected to star against Chelsea, leaving Philippe Coutinho to play as the third midfielder for the Reds.
Attack:
Mohamed Salah finally drew a blank on his trip to Spain but will be the danger man for Chelsea, his former club, in this game. Sadio Mane found the back of the net against Sevilla and will hope to build on that momentum, starting on the left flank.
Roberto Firmino is easily the most under-appreciated player in England at the moment and he needs to be kept quiet if Chelsea are to take anything from this game.
Adam Lallana, Loris Karius, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Ragnar Klavan, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner might all make the bench.
Here is how they might line up:
