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Strongest Possible Liverpool XI to Face Rubin Kazan: Benteke and Allen to Start

If a win at Chelsea wasn’t encouraging enough, Liverpool will travel more than 2000 miles away from Anfield, to the Russian pastures at the Kazan Stadium. They’d be looking to pick up their first three points from their current Europa League campaign, after drawing their opening three after being pitted alongside the likes of Sion, Bordeaux and of course, Rubin Kazan who held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the reverse fixture weeks ago.

And we all have an idea for as to how much Jurgen Klopp likes to field young players in most of his games, as evident from the side he had sent out against Bournemouth in the League Cup. And come Thursday night, Klopp would have a decision to make about whether he must play a squad that harbours young players or not, as a tricky fixture at home to Crystal Palace beckons.

Here’s how the Reds may line up in Russia:

Simon Mignolet

Simon Mignolet
Simon Mignolet

The former Sunderland and current Belgian first choice stopper has started every single game for the Reds, and has made crucial stops here and there too. With no one to challenge him directly for his spot, we can expect Mignolet to get another go.

Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno

Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho

Martin Skrtel has played a lot under the German gaffer and he’s the most senior member of the team and granting him a rest for Dejan Lovren makes sense. Mamadou Sakho has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers under Klopp and he’s become indispensable to the team. With Joe Gomez excluded for a long period of time, Alberto Moreno is sure to start.

Joe Allen, Emre Can, James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Phillippe Coutinho 

James Milner, who is one of Liverpool’s most hard working and important players is expected to start. While Joe Allen, after getting a game at the Bridge can get a game too. Emre Can has been quite good in the central midfield, while Adam Lallana can probably be benched, making way for former Hoffenheim man Roberto Firmino, who was deployed as a striker against Chelsea at the weekend.

Phillip Coutinho's goal made the difference for Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho

Christian Benteke

The Belgian played a pretty important, cameo role for the Anfield based side against and regained a substantial amount of fitness too. He’s become a key part of the Liverpool side, who have been goal deficient and has scored four times for them and has looked a constant threat in the air and on the ground for Liverpool.

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