Predicted Liverpool Line-up To Face AS Roma In Champions League
Liverpool’s scintillating run of form hit a stumbling block on Saturday afternoon when they threw away a two-goal lead against bottom-placed West Bromwich Albion and conceded twice late in the game to finish it all square at the Hawthorns.
The Reds are still a few points away from securing a Premier League top-4 finish but Jurgen Klopp would have one eye set on Tuesday night’s crucial Anfield outing against AS Roma in the Champions League semi-final first-leg tie. The gaffer rested a few of his first-team regulars against the Baggies to keep them fit and fresh for this intriguing encounter.
Probable Liverpool XI
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Was a great influence against Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the competition and has restored stability between the sticks since replacing Simon Mignolet. Should have done better against West Brom while defending Salomon Rondon’s equaliser but the German international has been resilient and disciplined as club’s new No.1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Was thought to be the weak link of the Liverpool defence when they encountered the Cityzens but the teenager never broke down and demolished Pep Guardiola’s plans of troubling him through Leroy Sane down the wing. Was rested against the Baggies as he has now become an integral figure of Liverpool’s Champions League mission.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Had a nervy final few minutes versus West Brom as he failed to defend the lead and looked sloppy with his passing and positioning. However, he was sublime against Manchester City and his determined display allowed the Reds to maintain resilience against relentless City threat at the Etihad.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The winter recruit from Southampton has certainly become the main man in Liverpool defence as his towering presence is allowing the Reds to dominate the game from the back.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Was rested against the Baggies as the Scotsman is now the most consistent performer in the side alongside Mohamed Salah and will have to play a major part versus AS Roma.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The skipper served a suspension in the return leg tie against Manchester City but is now available in the semis and needs to inspire his men to script another monumental victory in the road to Kiev.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
The summer recruit from Arsenal has stepped up sensationally in recent months and has uplifted his game under Jurgen Klopp. The Three Lions star has been sensational so far in the competition and will want to continue in a similar fashion when the Reds host the Italian giant killers.
James Milner (LCM)
The veteran Englishman is having his best campaign in Liverpool colours. He is not only creating goals but is also guiding the Reds to press high up the pitch, win back possession in midfield and constitute goalscoring moves.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The red-hot Egyptian has already scored 41 goals so far this season in all competitions and will be hungry for more while facing his former employers.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane is not only scoring and assisting goals but is also creating opportunities down the wing as he is working hard, covering a lot of ground and combining well with fellow attackers in their attacking third.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
The main man in Klopp’s system who has redefined the No.9 role. The Brazilian not only offers his presence inside the box but also works hard to win back possession and constructs moves to hit the opponents back on the counter.
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