@AdamMNVi
Liverpool couldn’t have hoped for a much better draw than Benfica in the Champions League quarter-finals, but now it’s a matter of making it count in a tie that could leave the Reds just one step away from yet another European final.
A 2-0 win against Watford saw Liverpool top the Premier League momentarily at the weekend, and it’s vital that the wins keep coming to maintain maximum momentum as Klopp looks to bring the title back to Merseyside.
With Benfica currently third in Liga NOS, 12 points behind league leaders FC Porto, there’s no excuse here for anything other than a win.
Here’s how we should line up:
Alisson starts in goal with two changes to the back four that sees Ibrahima Konate come back into the side. The French star has been excellent in the Champions League this season, and it’s important to keep giving him games when the opportunity arises.
If Trent is ready for some minutes, I think he should play from the start for some sharpness. He may not be able to finish the full game after his recent injury, but with a massive clash against Manchester City coming up, this is Klopp’s only opportunity to get him some minutes before then. Gomez should be introduced at some point during the second half around the hour mark.
Fabinho starts from the six behind Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones. Thiago should be rested for Sunday’s game, with hopes that Jones can repeat his heroics from the last time he played in Portugal after a sensational performance against Porto in the group stages.
Diogo Jota starts as he returns to his home nation, and he’s supported by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah who complete the lineup on the flanks. A goal for Salah in this one would be perfectly timed as we come into the Manchester City game, and this could be the same forward line that Klopp goes with on Sunday.
Benfica will be lifted by their run in the Champions League which means the Reds will have to settle the game down in the early stages, though it should be a matter of class prevailing once Liverpool get the game under control.
Score prediction: Benfica 1 – 3 Liverpool
How does Paul think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
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