Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Stoke City At Anfield
Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut steamrolled AS Roma at Anfield on Tuesday night as they were once 5-0 up in the Champions League semi-final first leg tie only to finish the game at 5-2.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have a crucial weekend fixture in the Premier League against relegation battlers Stoke City and a win is required to seal a top-four berth and ensure a place in next season’s Champions League irrespective of what lies ahead this term.
Probable Liverpool XI
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Loris Karius (GK)
The new Liverpool No.1 has delivered some strong performances between the sticks of late but should have done better last weekend to deal with Salomon Rondon’s late equaliser. The German custodian will start the game on Saturday afternoon and must keep his concentration to clinch a clean sheet that he missed out last time.
Joe Gomez (RB)
Was at fault in the closing minutes and allowed the Baggies to stage a comeback at the Hawthorns. Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to be rested ahead of the crucial away encounter against Roma. Nathaniel Clyne is back in contention too, to start the Stoke City game. It is to be seen who Klopp prefers but the young English international must be more composed if handed a start in the right-back role.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The Dutchman has been rock solid since joining the club in January and will be crucial against Stoke City, especially to deal with 6ft 7in Peter Crouch, who will be a menace inside the box.
Ragnar Klavan (CB)
The Croatian was decent against Roma and might be rested on Saturday. Ragnar Klavan has been used sporadically and might be recalled to action.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Has been thoroughly consistent all season since replacing Alberto Moreno, both at the back as well as going forward with overlapping runs and finding the attackers via his trademark crosses into the opponent’s box.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The skipper led his side sensationally during the semifinal first leg tie and the lack of enough cover in the middle of the park might see the English international start against the Potters.
James Milner (RCM)
Has been a revelation for Liverpool who is working his socks off all over the pitch. Was unlucky to concede a late penalty against AS Roma but performed incredibly well throughout the game.
Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)
Came on in place of the injured Oxlade-Chamberlain and delivered a towering performance in the midfield. He will be handed a start at Anfield on Saturday and the Dutchman will look to replicate his recent form for the remainder of the season.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Netted two world-class goals against his former employers on Tuesday night and is on the verge of being the highest scorer in a 38-game top-flight campaign in English football. He is currently on 31 Premier League goals and the occasion against Stoke City will offer him the chance to set a record.
Sadio Mane (LW)
He has been wasting opportunities but has been scoring goals and providing assists quite frequently. Needs to be more clinical in front of goal but the Senegalese sensation is likely to trouble the Stoke City backline with his pace, runs and power on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
The Brazilian has become the ‘system’ of Klopp’s Liverpool as he scores goals, creates moves and tracks back to win possession throughout the game. Will be determined to extend his goals tally by scoring against Stoke City.
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