In what is probably the most important game of the season for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, the Reds travel to Etihad for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League this season. Manchester City’s trip to Anfield ended in a 3-0 loss and if Liverpool manage to beat Ederson on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola’s side will have to score a minimum of five goals to knock Liverpool out.
The Reds played out an uneventful 0-0 draw in their local derby but Manchester City lost to Manchester United in their derby, that too after going 2-0 up in the first half. Pep has never lost three back to back games with City and will go for the kill in this game but Klopp will know that his side has enough to not just hold on to their lead, but also go toe to toe, against a team that is just a couple of wins away from the PL title. Liverpool have a few injury issues but here is the predicted lineup they might field for this tie:
Team News:
Jurgen Klopp revealed that both Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah are ‘in a good way’ but will undergo a late fitness test before the game. Both players are expected to be fit but the Reds will be without the services of Emre Can, Joel Matip, Alberto Moreno, Joe Gomez and Adam Lallana, who are all long-term absentees. Skipper Jordan Henderson is also unavailable due to a suspension.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Loris Karius is now the undisputed no.1 for Klopp and will keep his place in the side, after keeping yet another clean sheet at the weekend. Trent Alexandre-Arnold will keep his place at right back and will be up against Leroy Sane while Andrew Robertson is expected to be fit enough to start this game at left-back.
With Joel Matip out, Dejan Lovren is the best option to partner Virgil van Dijk at the back for Liverpool in this game.
Midfield:
With Henderson suspended, James Milner is expected to play a deeper role while Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to partner him in the middle of the park. Both players will add tenacity to Liverpool’s midfield while Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will start as the third midfielder, adding some creativity to the side.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino came on as a sub against Everton and should be fit enough for this tie while Sadio Mane had a decent outing at Goodison Park and will start on the left flank.
Mohamed Salah was rested for that game and though will have to take a test before the game at Etihad, is expected to be fit and will start on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
