Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Porto In The Champions League
Following a morale-boosting victory over Southampton last weekend, Liverpool will keen to keep things in tip-top shape in the European competition, as they travel to Estadio do Dragao to face FC Porto in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The Reds have been one of the most impressive attacking teams in Europe this season, second only to the high-flying Manchester City in the league when it comes to attacking productivity.
That being said, however, defensive mishaps will be a concern for head coach Jurgen Klopp as he hopes for a second consecutive clean sheet within a week.
Team News
Emre Can is out suspended for this game. Klopp will also be without Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and Nathaniel Clyne, who are all out injured.
Formation: 4-3-3
Liverpool are more than expected to go with their 4-3-3 formation against Porto. The Reds have found astounding success, especially in the offensive department, as it allows the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to act freely in the final third.
Coach: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Jurgen Klopp is expected to hand over the gloves to Loris Karius due to his good form of late, especially after an impressive outing against Southampton in their most recent encounter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Trent Alexander-Arnold put in an impressive performance against Southampton. With Joe Gomez out injured, Trent should continue here at right-back.
Dejan Lovren (RCB)
The former Saints defender actually looked quite fresh against Spurs but despite having to settle for a place on the bench against Southampton, Dejan Lovren might make a return to the starting lineup this midweek, replacing Joel Matip as the right-sided centre back.
Virgil Van Dijk (LCB)
Liverpool’s newest recruit, Virgil Van Dijk should partner Dejan Lovren in central defence. The Dutchman played one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt last weekend and will be eager to replicate his performance against Porto as well.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
The Scottish defender played a wonderful game against Southampton and could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup this midweek.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CDM)
With Emre Can out suspended, expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to continue in central midfield against Porto as well.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, who struggled a lot in their recent Premier League contest against his former club Southampton, is expected to be replaced with English international Jordan Henderson. The Liverpool club captain could prove himself to be a vital cog in the Reds midfield this week.
James Milner (LCM)
James Milner could replace Georginio Wijnaldum. Milner’s experience and composure will be vital as Reds look to dominate their opposition.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian wizard will look to continue his fiery form in front of goal, as he gears up to face a sturdy defence of FC Porto. Salah has already netted 29 goals in all competitions this season and won’t hesitate to extend his already impressive tally.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
Highly rated Brazilian Roberto Firmino is expected to lead Liverpool’s attack. The former Hoffenheim starlet played an astonishing game against Southampton, scoring a goal and providing a world-class assist, a performance which would have definitely boosted his confidence prior to the encounter.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Sadio Mane will be the last piece of the Liverpool’s impressive offensive jigsaw, as the Senegalese winger should be deployed as the left-winger against Porto. His sheer pace and goal-scoring prowess could lend Liverpool an upper hand in the final third.