Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have found some rhythm yet again and will look to finish off the job they started in Portugal, in the Round of 16 tie against Porto in the Champions League this season. The Portuguese giants fell to a 5-0 defeat at home and are all but out of the competition. But Liverpool will not take anything for granted and Klopp revealed that they will respect their opponents on Tuesday when they travel to Anfield.
The Reds are fresh from a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United but visit Old Trafford at the weekend. They will want to rest some players but will look to get the job done early in this game and give no space for complacency. Klopp will not let the energy and flow of the squad take a hit and is expected to field his strongest XI. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds have a clean bill of health ahead of this tie. Though they are expected to play their first team, Klopp might look to give a couple of his fringe players a chance to start.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
German ace Loris Karius has now won Liverpool at least a couple of points in the last few games and will remain their first choice GK till the end of the season. Dejan Lovren put in a good shift against the Magpies and could keep his place in the side along with Virgil van Dijk, who has truly transformed this Liverpool backline.
Trent Alexandre-Arnold has been effective in recent games but could make way for Joe Gomez, who has been waiting on the sidelines for a while. Andrew Robertson, who has turned into one of the best in the league, will keep his place at left-back.
Midfield:
Emre Can has been a constant presence in the midfield for the Reds. He might be given yet another start, as the deepest of the midfielders in this tie. James Milner, who has more assists than any other player in the competition, should start in an advanced role in the midfield along with Adam Lallana, who has not been a part of the starting XI since his return from injury.
Attack:
Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick in that first leg and will look to put in a similar shift, starting on the left flank while Mohamed Salah could keep his place on the right flank in attack. Roberto Firmino deserves a rest and could be replaced by Danny Ings, who will get the first UCL start of his career.
Here is how they might line up:
