After a frantic ending at Villa Park that saw them steal all three points, Liverpool are back to Anfield on Tuesday, and they will square off against Belgian club Genk in a Champions League group stage tie.
The Reds lost to Napoli on the opening matchday but have beaten Salzburg and Genk in the last two games. They will want to wrap up this game early, with an eye on the mammoth clash against Manchester City in the league on Sunday.
Felice Mazzu’s men have won just one of their three games since Liverpool beat them at Luminus Arena last month, falling down the league table as well.
They will certainly be up for this challenge, but Jürgen Klopp’s men remain favourites to take all three points from this clash.
Liverpool Team News
Klopp revealed that his side has no fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. Nathaniel Clyne remains the only long term absentee while both Xherdan Shaqiri and Joel Matip are no closer to training with the squad.
Concerns over Mohamed Salah’s ankle were worrying, but Klopp confirmed that he is fit to face Genk on Tuesday.
Here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field for this tie:
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Genk
Defence
Alisson Becker remains the first choice for Klopp and the Brazilian is expected to keep his place under the bar against Genk this week.
Virgil van Dijk is one name Klopp cannot afford to drop. The Dutch ace could be partnered with Joe Gomez, giving Dejan Lovren a break ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are crucial for Klopp’s system at Anfield. The duo are certain to start in the full-back roles on Tuesday as well.
Midfield
This is where Klopp has a lot of options to choose from. Adam Lallana was decent against Villa while Fabinho was rested to avoid a suspension. But the former AS Monaco man is easily the best in his role at the club and should be back in action in the deeper midfield role against Genk.
Georginio Wijnaldum was the first player to be subbed off at Villa Park. He should keep his place in the side adding some balance to the Liverpool midfield.
Skipper Jordan Henderson should be rested and Naby Keita should add some creativity to the midfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could yet replace Wijnaldum in the Liverpool lineup, but Klopp might be tempted to unleash the midfielder in the high-octane clash during the weekend.
Attack
Salah’s ankle issues might push Klopp to rest him. Divock Origi has proven himself as a decent option in attack and could start against his former side, on the left flank. This will push Sadio Mane to the right, while Roberto Firmino will continue to lead the attack for the Reds.
Here is how they might line up:
