Predicted Liverpool Line-up To Face Spartak Moskva In The Champions League
Liverpool will travel to Russia, in the midweek, as they gear up to clash against Spartak Moskva in their second group game of the UEFA Champions League, at the Otkrytiye Arena, on Tuesday night.
The Reds finally put an end to their four-game winless run in all competitions when they defeated Leicester City 3-2 in the Premier League this past weekend, but are far from their best. The defensive woes continue to hamper Jurgen Klopp’s side, but he will be hoping that his side get their first win of the competition.
Team News
Adam Lallana is unavailable for the Reds and Nathaniel Clyne is out of the squad for the initial stages of the competition after being left out. Defender Joe Gomez will miss out as he is suspended for the game, after he picked a late red card against Sevilla. Sadio Mane, who wasn’t available for the domestic competitions, will return to the fold.
Here’s how Liverpool will take the field against the Russian champions:
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Loris Karius (GK)
The German stopper started the Champions League game against Sevilla a couple of weeks back and is likely to get the nod again on Tuesday, ahead of Simon Mignolet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
With Joe Gomez suspended and Nathaniel Clyne not in the squad, the onus of holding the fort at right-back will fall on the young shoulders of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Joel Matip (CB)
The Cameroonian shook off a knock to feature against Leicester City over the weekend. He is Klopp’s best centre-half and should start.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Another player who passed a late fitness test to start on Saturday against the Foxes, the Croatian centre-back is likely to partner Matip in the heart of the defence.
Alberto Moreno (LB)
The Spaniard has enjoyed a sort of a resurgence this season and has been Klopp’s preferred choice at left-back, despite Andrew Robertson impressing. May get the nod again on Tuesday.
Emre Can (CM)
The German has lacked consistency in his game this season, but offers a great deal of energy and thrust from the midfield. Should start against Spartak.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
The captain got his first goal of the season on Saturday and will look to carry the confidence into the European encounter in the midweek.
Philippe Coutinho (CM)
Showed that his head is in the right place, with a stellar display against the Foxes at the weekend. A definite starter for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Scored against Sevilla in the previous fixture and has netted 6 times already in all competitions. Liverpool’s biggest goal threat, the Egyptian is a defintie starter for Reds.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
The Brazilian forward hasn’t had the best of the weeks at the top of the attack, but Klopp places immense faith in him. Should start ahead of Daniel Sturridge.
Sadio Mane (LW)
The Senegalese sensation is available for selection having missed the domestic games due to suspension. His return will make this Liverpool attack much more lethal.