Projected (4-3-3) Liverpool Lineup vs Bordeaux
The game against Bordeaux will prove to be one of the crucial games in Jurgen Klopp’s career as the Liverpool manager. Sitting 2 points behind unexpected leaders Sion, Liverpool will qualify for the next round with a win at home on Friday. With a number of matches crunched up in a short period, we expect Klopp to mix things up so as to ensure his side remain in a sound position in the league as well as the cups.
This is how we believe Liverpool will line up on Friday.
Goal Keeper- Adam Bogdan
Simon Mignolet has cemented his place as the number one shot stopper at the club. With numerous named doing the rounds, we are yet to see how long he holds to the spot. We expect Adam Bogdan to start in the goal on Friday as Klopp will look to rest his number 1 for crucial league ties. We believe Bogdan has all the necessary ingredients to more than fill in the shoes of Mignolet while the Belgian is afforded some rest.
Defenders- Clyne, Skrtel, Toure, Moreno
Clyne has been one of the most consistent players in this side. Many people believe he is being overworked, however, with Flannagan injured, there is not a lot of back-up in that position and he starts for us on Friday. We expect Klopp to go in with a Centre-back pairing of Skrtel and Toure while the rejuvenated Moreno will occupy the left side of the defence.
Midfielders- Allen, Can, Texeira
Lucas has been pivotal to Liverpool’s fortunes this season. However, with Allen back from his injury, we expect him to start against Bordeaux alongside the industrious and fast developing Emre Can and an impressive Texeira. The 22 year old Portuguese had an impressive outing against a resilient Bournemouth side in the league cup a few weeks back and Klopp might reward him for that performance with a starting role in the midfield at Anfield. He will need to ensure he does the dirty work in the middle of the park while being the creative lynchpin of the side.
His partners in crime, Can and Allen can be able follies and the duo will look to disrupt any rhythm that Bordeaux build to ensure a safe passage into the next round.
Forward- Ibe, Origi, Benteke
Let’s admit it, Jurgen Klopp loves Jordon Ibe and the winger repaid his manager in full the last time he started in the Europa League. It was such a relief to see him put in a sound all round performance against Rubin Kazan and he starts along side Origi and Benteke at the front. Origi will operate from the flanks, while Benteke plays in his role as the big burly number 9.
This would mean the Samba boys who wrecked havoc against Manchester City, Coutinho and Firmino will be on the bench.
It has become evident from his team selections so far that Jurgen Klopp values the Europa League as a competition. A trophy will prove to be a huge boost for this side apart from the fact that winners of the Europa League automatically qualify for the Champions League next season. We expect Liverpool to continue with their fine form despite the change in personnel.
