Liverpool and Bayern Munich face off in a big Champions League round of 16 game on Tuesday, and we could be in for some thrills and spills.
Although Bayern haven’t been at their usual best this season, they still have some capable players who can test Liverpool, even at Anfield.
Both the teams were far from the best in the group stages, and Liverpool only confirmed a place in the last 16 on the final matchday against Napoli.
Ahead of the game, we take a look at three key battles when the two sides meet on Tuesday.
Joel Matip vs Robert Lewandowski
Virgil van Dijk’s absence will be a huge blow for the Reds as the Dutchman has been an absolute rock at the back. In his absence, Fabinho is likely to partner Matip, who will have to marshall the defence.
Matip has played against Lewandowski before, of course, when he was at Schalke. The Cameroonian is pretty quick and can play the ball out from the back, but Lewandowski’s ability to draw out the centre-backs and create space for his teammates is something Liverpool will have to be wary of.
Just as what Klopp has done with Roberto Firmino, Lewandowski excelled in a slightly withdrawn role at Borussia Dortmund, and has been in impressive form this season for Bayern.
Matip doesn’t have the same aggression as Van Dijk, so every time Lewandowski gets the ball in the final third, there might a bit of edginess at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah vs David Alaba
Salah was at the top of his game against Bournemouth, and a lot of it had to do with the fact that Klopp used him on the right where he saw more of the ball.
We expect Salah to continue on the right where he is likely to be up against David Alaba, one of the best left-backs in the world.
Alaba’s pace and athletic ability mean despite overcommitting at times, he is able to get back in time to put a foot in and stop counter-attacks.
Against Salah, however, Alaba will have to be more cautious. Playing at Anfield, a counter-attacking system might suit Bayern and that’s where Alaba’s ability to drive forward might hurt Liverpool. When Salah is on the ball, though, Alaba can ill-afford to overcommit.
Naby Keita vs Thiago Alcantara
Two players on who a lot of the creative impetus will rest on. Keita’s performances have improved of late, and considering Bayern’s defence hasn’t been the best this season, the former RB Leipzig midfielder will have the chance to pierce the defence with his passing.
Thiago, on the other hand, doesn’t bomb forward as much as Keita, but his ability to remain calm under pressure and keep the team ticking is a key facet of his game.
The former Barcelona man too can unlock a defence with his sublime passing, and the winner of this key battle might end up winning the game for his side.
