Liverpool host FC Porto in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night and the Reds will be under no pressure whatsoever.
Klopp’s men thumped 5 goals past Porto in the first leg and with 5 crucial away goals Liverpool have more or less secured entry into the quarter-finals. So we can expect the German to make a host of changes to the first team. We take a look at Liverpool’s predicted line up vs Porto.
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS:
Karius has been the first choice keeper for Jurgen Klopp for a fairly long time now but with the tie done and dusted Mignolet is expected to get a run-in.
The defensive line will also see a major reshuffle. Both the fullbacks – Alexander Arnold and Robertson will hopefully get a much-deserved rest. Joe Gomez(right-back) and Moreno(left-back) will get starts against FC Porto on Tuesday.
Virgil Van Dijk will also be rested for the game meaning Dejan Lovren will be partnered by Joel Matip in central defence.
Klopp is expected to keep both Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the team sheet for Tuesday and the only change will be that of Emre Can who might make way for James Milner. Wijnaldum was also in contention for the game but the manager has confirmed that the midfielder will not be available for the tie.
Mo Salah played the full 90 minutes during the weekend victory against Newcastle United and he will surely be given a rest – more so keeping in mind that next weekend Liverpool take on Manchester United. Adam Lallana will take his place on the right-wing.
Sadio Mane is expected to retain his place on the left-wing because Klopp would want a serious attacking threat on the pitch in case something goes wrong. Firmino was substituted against Newcastle and will be hopefully rested against Porto. 20-year-old Dominic Solanke will lead the line against Porto.
LIVERPOOL’S PREDICTED LINE UP VS PORTO:
Goalkeeper: Mignolet.
Defence: Moreno, Lovren, Matip, Gomez.
Midfield: Milner, Henderson, Chamberlain.
Attack: Mane, Solanke, Lallana.
Liverpool are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions out of which they have won five games. And Jurgen Klopp would also want to pick up a comfortable win against FC Porto in midweek in order to build up momentum for Saturday night’s clash against Manchester United.
