Liverpool are back in action after an enforced break over the weekend as they host Ajax at Anfield on Tuesday in the Champions League.
The Reds endured a nightmare start to their Champions League campaign, losing 4-1 to Napoli in Naples. There can be no denying that Jurgen Klopp would want his team to show a reaction in midweek at Anfield against an Ajax side riding high on confidence at the moment.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool have been hit with a major injury blow with Andy Robertson being ruled out of the Ajax clash with a suspected knee injury. It means Robertson joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher on the sidelines.
However, there is expected to be positive news over Fabio Carvalho’s situation after he sustained a dead leg in the 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Ajax (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
After letting in four goals past him against Napoli, Alisson will hope to put in a better display between the sticks when Liverpool welcomes Ajax to Anfield.
Defence
Jurgen Klopp will likely deploy his side in a 4-3-3 formation with some changes to the Liverpool lineup. Ahead of Alisson, a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Kostas Tsimikas could start.
Matip is back to full fitness again and should replace Joe Gomez in central defence, while injury to Robertson opens the door for Tsimikas to start at left-back in the Liverpool lineup. The duo, along with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold will have to be at the top of their games to keep a well-drilled Ajax side at bay.
Midfield
Fabinho will reprise his midfield role and could be joined by the fit-again Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliot in the Liverpool lineup.
Thiago showed his quality in the second half against Napoli, something which the Reds have dearly missed since the start of the season. His calmness and passing ability alongside Fabinho and Elliot could help Liverpool dominate the ball against a possession-heavy Ajax side.
Attack
Up ahead in attack, Mohamed Salah is a permanent fixture on the right flank. The Egyptian was particularly poor against Napoli and will hope to put in a better display on Tuesday.
Roberto Firmino is expected to start through the middle for Liverpool, with Luis Diaz operating from the left flank in the Liverpool lineup. This means Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Fabio Carvalho will all have to settle for a role on the bench.