Liverpool travels to Spain as they face Villareal in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Europa league. Jurgen Klopp faces tough choices to make in terms of the line-up with Liverpool’s key players either injured or suspended. It will be a tough task for the Reds as they try and keep their hopes alive to qualify for the Champions league in the next season. Here is our predicted line-up for the game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
The Belgian keeper did make two blunders in the game against Newcastle but will need to be on his toes for this game.
Defence: Clyne, Toure, Lovren, Moreno
Clyne should be the one to start as the right-back since he has been very consistent throughout and has almost cemented his position. Klopp received a major blow with the suspension of Mamadou Sakho due to the failure in the drug test. He might go ahead with Kolo Toure as a replacement. Lovren will definitely start the game as he has been in good form. Alberto Moreno has also shown glimpses of quality in the last game and should be the one to start as the left-back.
Midfield: Lucas, Milner
Klopp does not have his key midfielders available for this game. Lucas should be the one to start the game in the defensive midfield position as he gives the side that much needed depth. Along with Lucas, Milner should be the one to partner in the middle of the park as Liverpool will need a lot of running to win the midfield battle against Villareal. Milner has tremendous work-rate and that will help Liverpool a lot.
Attacking Midfield: Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho
LFC need their LFC (Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho) to fire big in this one. Firmino has been in a good form and should play at CAM to support Sturridge upfront. Coutinho can take up his natural left flank and create chances for his side. Lallana should start the game from the right-hand side and should support Clyne in making those runs into the box from the right side.
Striker: Sturridge
Liverpool will have to rely on their star striker Daniel Sturridge for this big game. Divock Origi was brilliant in the Europa league for the Reds but he is out injured and Klopp will have to go with the services of Sturridge. Liverpool will be looking for the critical away goal and Sturridge should be the man to provide that.