Liverpool players and fans gear up for one of their biggest nights this season as they welcome Borussia Dortmund for the second leg of the quarter-final of the Europa league. The Reds scored a valuable away goal in the first leg and now have the task to out-play their opponents in front of the Kop. Liverpool have had a good record in the past when it comes to German sides and if history is to be believed, the Reds are in a better position to advance to the semifinals. However, Dortmund will definitely give Klopp a run for his money and pose a serious threat at Anfield.
Team News
Both sides rested their key players in their respective league fixtures. Jurgen Klopp made seven changes to his starting line-up which he played against Dortmund in the first leg and his counterpart Thomas Tuchel made eight changes. This goes to show that the priority for both the teams is clearly the Europa league. The latter also went on to quote that his side is reaching its limit in terms of selection and rotation. Liverpool will be without the services of their skipper Jordan Henderson who picked up an injury in the first leg. Dortmund will miss their center back Subotic who is out for the rest of the season with a severe injury.
Tactics
Jurgen Klopp should try and opt for the 4-3-3 with Milner, Can, and Allen forming the midfield. Due to the absence of Henderson, Klopp will need to add two players to the midfield for that depth and also to track back the Dortmund counter attacks. Liverpool should also try to get the early goal as this would put the pressure on the opposition and make things difficult for them. Klopp will also need to make sure that the work-rate of the midfield is at its best so as to avoid the quick breaks and win the battle at the center of the park.
Dortmund will try and exploit the defence from the sides and they will heavily rely on the attacking trio of Mkhitaryan, Reus, and Aubameyang. Dortmund are well aware of Klopp’s tactics of Gegenpressing and they will certainly be careful with the counter attacks as that is what makes them vulnerable in these scenarios. Thursday night will be an open-ended high tempo footballing encounter where both sides will try and be on the front foot.
The 12th Man
Anfield has witnessed some of the most glorious football nights and the crowd has been equally important in the success of their club. The Kop will be at their loudest to stand by their team and will play a very important role in determining the outcome of the game. The players and the manager will have to prove their worth to the fans and Thursday night will certainly promise a feast to all football lovers across the globe.
