Liverpool have a big Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and the Reds need to score and ensure they don’t lose to progress to the quarter-finals.
Jurgen Klopp’s side picked up a 4-2 win against Burnley on Sunday to keep within a point of Manchester City, and have a crucial week ahead as they have the opportunity to beat one of the best sides in Europe.
Bayern Munich have improved their form under Niko Kovac, and returned to the top of the table following a 6-0 thrashing of Wolfsburg last weekend.
The two teams shared the spoils at Anfield as Bayern opted for a more cautious approach, but expect the Bavarians to be more expansive at Allianz Arena.
Here are three player battles Liverpool need to win to beat Bayern Munich
#3 Mohamed Salah vs David Alaba
Alaba has trained with the squad and it’s likely that he’ll make the team for their clash against Liverpool.
The Austrian is one of the quickest full-backs in the world, and though Mohamed Salah is not just about pace, the Egyptian is likely to have a tough battle on the cards against Alaba.
Salah’s finishing has been dodgy of late, but his all-round game hasn’t taken a hit as he has still managed to beat defenders with his change of pace and his little shimmies.
Alaba is an attacking full-back, and with Bayern expected to attack more, Salah will have his chances on the break.
#2 Virgil Van Dijk vs Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski is in scintillating form at the moment, having scored four goals in the last two Bundesliga games. When he’s on song, Bayern are on song because of his style of play.
Like Roberto Firmino, Lewandowski plays a big part in the Bayern build-up, and is also deadly in front of goal.
The Pole is likely to be up against Van Dijk who has been the best defender in the Premier League by far.
Van Dijk has hardly had an off day for Liverpool as he has excelled in the air and his front-footed defending has often gotten the better of opposition strikers.
The two are at the top of their game, and Van Dijk will have to keep an eye on Lewandowski’s movement as the Pole is extremely good with is runs in the penalty box.
#1 Fabinho vs Javi Martinez
The South American battle is likely to be intriguing as Rodriguez was unstoppable against Wolfsburg last weekend and often picked passes with ease.
Fabinho is likely to play as the holding midfielder for Liverpool, and he’ll be up against Rodriguez.
If given time and space on the ball, Rodriguez can trouble the best of defences. And that’s where Fabinho has an important role to play.
The former Monaco man will have to ensure Rodriguez doesn’t get a direct run at the Liverpool back four as Bayern have too much talent in their attack.