Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Porto In The Champions League
Liverpool travel to Portugal to face FC Porto in the first leg of Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
The Reds had a fine weekend, piling up Southampton’s misery with a 2-0 win at St.Mary’s. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were on the scoresheet as Jurgen Klopp’s men remained at 3rd place, two points off 2nd-placed Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Porto flexed their muscles ahead of the Liverpool game with a 4-0 thumping of Chaves. They are still unbeaten so far in the season; so expect an uphill challenge for Klopp and co.
Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns for Klopp as he hopes to have Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez back in the squad for the last 16 tie.
Adam Lallana, who has been injured since the Swansea game, played the final 10 minutes against Southampton on Sunday. Nathaniel Clyne still remains sidelined following a back operation.
Meanwhile, Emre Can is suspended for the first-leg against Porto.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Karius did build his case to start in Porto with an impressive showing against Southampton.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The youngster seems to be very confident at the moment. Alexander-Arnold is enjoying a breakthrough season under Klopp and the manager could stick with him at right-back on Wednesday.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
Van Dijk enjoyed a fine return to his old home at the weekend. The Dutchman is expected to start against Porto.
Joel Matip (CB)
Matip looked quite assured against Southampton and his distribution improved too. He should start alongside Van Dijk.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Full of running and energy, Robertson seems to be an ideal fit at left-back for Klopp. At the moment, there is no chance of Moreno even getting a sniff at a starting spot.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
Henderson was not involved against the Saints, meaning Klopp gave him a rest for the sole reason of playing him in the Champions League. The midfielder has to lead the team by the example and during tense situations, is expected to show maturity.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM)
With Liverpool 2-0 up and comfortable after the break, Klopp decided to take Chamberlain out of the game and replace him with Milner. So this hints the former Arsenal could be set for a start in Porto.
Gini Wijnaldum (CM)
With Emre Can suspended for the first-leg, Wijnaldum will have a task of harrying the opposition with his running and tackling.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
There is no stopping the man from Egypt! Salah was on the scoresheet at the weekend and also provided an assist for Firmino’s goal. At this rate, he could even breach the 40-goal mark in his first season for the Reds.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane can cause havoc if the opposition affords to give him give him space and time. A vital member of front three, the Senegalese is a sure starter against the Portuguese giants.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
Firmino’s strike at Southampton took his tally to 20 goals for the season. His effectiveness and link-up play with Salah and Mane are just exquisite. The Brazilian should start on Wednesday.
