Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Hoffenheim In Champions League Qualifier
After a disappointing start to their 2017/18 campaign in the Premier League, Liverpool will now turn their attention towards the UEFA Champions League, where they will take on Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim, in the first-leg of the playoff stages on Tuesday, at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 3-3 draw in their Premier League opener away at Watford, and the German would be hoping that his side fares better in his homeland against Hoffenheim. A win in the game could put them in a very strong position to get into the group stages of the Champions League and that is what Liverpool will be aiming to achieve on Tuesday night.
Team News
Klopp will continue to be without the services of influential midfielder Adam Lallana and right-back Nathaniel Clyne due to thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Striker Daniel Sturridge is also a doubt due to a thigh strain, while wantaway playmaker Philippe Coutinho too, is unlikely to feature because of a back problem.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Simon Mignolet (GK)
Did not have the most convincing games over the weekend and will need to step up in a clash of this magnitude.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The youngster has impressed each and every one with his mature displays at right-back. With Clyne absent, he will start again on Tuesday night. s
Joel Matip (CB)
The Cameroonian will need to be at the top of his game against the likes of Sandro Wagner and Andrej Kramaric if Liverpool are to come out of the game in a position of strength.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
The Croatian too will need to be at his best for Liverpool to achieve a positive result from the game.
James Milner (LB)
Alberto Moreno may have started the game against Watford, but we could see Klopp go back to the experienced James Milner at left-back.
Emre Can (CM)
Offers a great deal of energy in the middle of the park and can be a vital player if he gets going. Should retain his place in the starting XI.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
The captain will be pivotal to his team’s chances as he is the one who offers them the control in midfield and conducts their play going forward.
Giorgino Wijnaldum (CM)
The Dutchman struggled to impact the proceedings on Saturday and he needs to do more in the attacking third.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Had a great debut, scoring against the Hornets over the weekend. Looked threatening throughout the game and needs to do more of the same against the German side.
Roberto Firmino (CF)
The Brazilian too got himself on the scoresheet but wasn’t at his best. Will need to step it up a notch against his former club, where he burst on to the scenes.
Sadio Mane (LW)
The last season’s top scorer for the Reds scored a brilliant goal on Saturday and Klopp will be hoping that the Senegalese continues to find the back of the net with regularity.