Liverpool will take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of the round of 16 clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and we could be in for an enthralling encounter.
The two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield, and the tie is finely balanced. A win for either team will guarantee progress into the quarter-finals, but Liverpool will also progress if they manage a score draw because of the away goals rule.
While Liverpool’s form in the league has been patchy, Bayern have stepped up in recent weeks and are currently top of the table after overtaking Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.
Both teams are littered with top players, and here’s a look at the combined lineup that features players from both teams.
Defence
Manuel Neuer misses out because Alisson Becker has had a big impact for Liverpool this season. The Brazilian is also one of the reasons why Liverpool are in the knockouts facing Bayern as his save to deny Arkadiusz Milik against Napoli in the dying embers of the final group game was spectacular.
The back four features two defenders each from both teams. While Joshua Kimmich and Nicklas Sule feature on the right, Andy Robertson and Virgil Van Dijk feature on the left.
Kimmich has been a key cog for Bayern not just in defence, but also in attack as the German has managed 12 assists all season, two of which have come in the Champions League. Alexander-Arnold has been in good form, but he misses out.
Van Dijk would perhaps make any combined XI this season, such has been his form and impact on games.
Midfield
Bayern duo Thiago and James Rodriguez feature alongside the impressive Fabinho in midfield. While Liverpool’s midfield has done well, the duo of Thiago and Rodriguez on their day can breach any defence with this creativity and ability on the ball.
Fabinho’s presence has grown in the Liverpool team, and not only can he break play with his ball-winning ability, but he can play the ball out from midfield.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski features up top, while Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane feature on the wings.
Lewandowski is in red-hot form in the league, and the Bavarians will hope he can continue that against Liverpool.
Mane has been in his elements, and the Liverpool fans will hope Salah, who has done everything but score in recent weeks, joins in the party come Wednesday.
