Predicted Liverpool Line-up To Face Manchester City In The Champions League Quarterfinal
Liverpool take a 3-0 aggregate lead to the Etihad Stadium, after stunning the Premier League leaders with three goals in the first-half at Anfield last week.
City have been in sensational form throughout the season but have had a bad week, suffering defeats against us in the Champions League and against Manchester United in the Premier League.
With the 3-0 advantage, Jurgen Klopp’s men are in a commanding position and will look to book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Team News
Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that Mohamed Salah would return to the squad after missing the game against Everton on Saturday due to a groin injury that he picked up in the first leg win over City.
Andrew Robertson also missed the Merseyside derby at the weekend with a knock while Alberto Moreno was a late withdrawal due to a thigh injury. The full-backs would be checked after the training, our gaffer has confirmed.
Joel Matip is out for the remainder of the season with a thigh injury, while Adam Lallana also remains sidelined. Skipper Jordan Henderson is suspended for the second leg at the Etihad.
Meanwhile, Emre Can is set to miss the game against City as the German midfielder is struggling with a back problem, with Klopp citing that there is no timeframe for the player’s return.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Liverpool’s No.1 between the sticks and will keep his place against City on Tuesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Alexander-Arnold performed really well in the first leg at Anfield as he successfully kept the in-form Leroy Sane at bay. The youngster is brimming with confidence and must start this game.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Lovren was solid in the first leg and Klopp will be hoping for more of the same from him as we look to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
Virgil van Dijk has added a sense of reliability and rigidity to the Liverpool backline since signing for the club from Southampton in January. Knowing how good City’s attackers are, the Dutchman will need to be at his best to keep them at bay.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Robertson missed the weekend’s game at Everton with a knock but is expected to recover in time to face the Premier League leaders.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CDM)
With Jordan Henderson suspended, Wijnaldum should start as the deep-lying midfielder. The Dutchman was given the same role against Everton on Saturday and he did really well.
James Milner (LCM)
Milner’s energy and experience will be vital as Klopp looks to beat City for the third time this season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
He scored a pile-driver in the first leg that gave City goalkeeper Ederson absolutely no chance. The England international looks like a different player under Klopp and can cause a lot of problems to City’s defence with his pace and trickery.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane is capable of producing brilliant moments on the field. The Senegalese will have a major role to play if we are to win at the Etihad.
Roberto Firmino (RW)
Knowing that Liverpool hold a 3-0 advantage, I feel that Klopp won’t risk Salah, who has not yet been declared 100% fit. If the Egyptian is only fit enough to make the bench, our manager must start Firmino on the right.
Danny Ings (ST)
It will be a massive gamble but Klopp lacks the luxury of a big squad. Ings did play at the weekend against Everton but lacked the cutting edge. However, Klopp can surprise Pep Guardiola by starting the former Burnley man.
