Key Changes In Defence And Midfield? Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup vs Porto

After a pretty comfortable win over Southampton this past weekend, Liverpool return to Champions League action when they take on Portuguese side FC Porto in the round of 16. The Reds finished as group leaders and were hoping for a favourable draw. However, Porto have done pretty well in the league and will be no pushovers.

Liverpool have the advantage of playing in the away leg, so perhaps that could suit them. The Reds have done well away from home as they tend to play on the break which allows their terrific front three to strut their stuff.

Though Sadio Mane hasn’t been in good form of late, the duo of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have been immaculate. Liverpool also managed to keep a clean sheet against Southampton, which was their first in the league with Virgil van Dijk starting, so they’ll be confident even though the Porto attack is as fiery as Liverpool’s.

Going into the game, Liverpool more or less have a good squad of players. The only blow is that Emre Can won’t be available for the first tie as he is suspended. Here’s how the Reds could line up for the clash…

Defence

Now that Loris Karius is starting to show a bit of composure, it won’t make any sense to play Simon Mignolet in goal. Trent-Alexander Arnold is expected to keep his place at right-back while Andy Robertson will most likely feature as the left-back.

Dejan Lovren played only a few minutes against Southampton and could replace Joel Matip at the heart of the defence. Vigil van Dijk will partner the Croatian.

Midfield

With Emre Can suspended, we could see Jordan Henderson playing as the deepest midfielder in the three-man midfield. Adam Lallana is key to Liverpool both going forward and while applying the press, so he could get the nod ahead of James Milner. Though he isn’t completely match-fit, expect him to play an hour or so before being taken off as Liverpool will want to take the game to Porto in the opening half.

Gini Wijnaldum put in a good display against Southampton and should complete the three-man midfield.

Attack

No points for guessing who Liverpool’s front three will be. Salah and Firmino have shown an incredible understanding of late and stopping them will take some doing. The hosts are expected to have more possession, so Liverpool’s pace on the counter could have a telling impact. Sadio Mane has incredible ability, so the Dragons can’t afford to take him lightly either.