Predicted Liverpool Line-up To Face AS Roma In The Champions League Semi-finals
Liverpool are having an incredible Champions League campaign but will have to overcome one final hurdle before sealing a berth in the prestigious final and will have to secure a favourable outcome at a hostile Stadio Olimpico in the semifinal return leg fixture against AS Roma.
The tie should have been over at Anfield as the Reds were leading 5-0 in the second half but conceded two late goals to handover the momentum to the Italian giant killers who will now have to clinch a 3-0 win similar to their quarter-final outing against Barcelona.
Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut, therefore, will now have to maintain composure at the back and hit back on the counter in order to score goals and take it beyond Roma’s reach.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Has certainly been an upgrade to Simon Mignolet since replacing the Belgian as club’s first-choice but will have a massive test on Wednesday night as he will be tested repeatedly against Roma, who will be desperate to score goals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Was taken off in the second half versus Stoke City due to a dead leg but the manager will hope it’s not too serious as the teenager has been a revelation in a right-back role all season.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Was decent for the majority of the game against Roma at Anfield but a moment of frailty led to Eden Dzeko decreasing the deficit and handing them a momentum to script another incredible comeback at Stadio Olimpico.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The winter recruit from Southampton has solved the defensive conundrum and is leading the backline with his towering displays and aerial supremacy. He will have to deal with both Edin Dzeko and Patrik Schick inside the box, who will be fed from the flanks with looping crosses and long balls.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
A shrewd piece of summer business has solved Liverpool’s long-term left-back problem and the Scotsman has replaced Alberto Moreno who, despite having a decent campaign in the early months, failed to offer consistency down the left. Robertson will have to deliver yet another balanced and composed display against Roma in order to defend the 3-goal lead.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
Had a knock against the Potters but played the whole game. His leadership traits were highly applauded in the first-leg tie and the skipper will have to inspire his boys to deliver yet another towering display to ensure a place in the final.
Georginio Wijnaldum (RCM)
The Dutchman has been calm, composed and allows his side to win back possession in the middle of the park with his timely runs and tackles. He is agile and needs to continue his good work this midweek as well.
James Milner (LCM)
Has been a great servant since his move from Manchester City back in 2015 and the Englishman must give his all against a combative AS Roma midfield.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Will return to his former club for the first time since his summer move. He demolished the Roma backline in the first leg and will be determined to leave a similar impact here again.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Had a minor thigh strain that ruled him out of the Stoke City game. The Senegalese sensation, however, is likely to return for the Roma game with a vow to continue his stupendous Champions League form.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
Netted a brace in the first leg tie and his hard-work will be a massive edge for Liverpool in a game where the opponents will push hard for goals, leaving space behind in the midfield.