After a mammoth effort against Manchester City over two legs, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool did well to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League this season, where they drew Italian side AS Roma. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side beat Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona in the last two rounds of the competitions and are by no means pushovers.
The Reds, however, are unbeaten in the UCL this season and have not lost any of their last 14 European ties. They are also unbeaten in the league at Anfield and will surely pose a huge threat to Roma in this game. They have lost to Roma just once in their history and playing in their 194th European game will be favourites to go all the way. Here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Liverpool are still without star players Emre Can and Joel Matip, both of who are not expected to be fit before the end of the season. Adam Lallana is another player who is unavailable for this game along with Nathaniel Clyne, who is not fully fit. There are no suspensions for yellow cards for the semi-final ties in the UCL.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Loris Karius had a troublesome night against West Brom in the 2-2 draw at Hawthorns at the weekend. However, he is the first choice for Klopp and will start this game under the bar. Dejan Lovren should be back in the first team alongside Virgil van Dijk, both of who were solid over the two legs against Manchester City.
Joe Gomez had a night to forget against the Baggies but could still retain his place while Robertson should be back in action at left-back.
Midfield:
With Emre Can out injured, Jordan Henderson, who missed the game at Etihad, should start as the deepest of the midfielders. James Milner has been superb in the last few games and will add some mettle to the midfield while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who picked up an assist at the weekend, should add some creativity to this Liverpool side.
Attack:
Having rested Firmino at the weekend, Klopp is expected to use the Brazilian in the attack while Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, two of the most productive wingers in the league, will start on either flank. Salah, who just won the PFA Player of the Year award in England, will face his former side in Roma and will be the main man for Liverpool.
Here is how they might line up:
