@AdamMNVi
After Liverpool made it entertaining before securing qualification to the semi-finals of the Champions League, it’s now time for yet another clash against Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
A bad start to the game at the Etihad should hopefully have provided a lesson to Liverpool who will take on the league leaders for a place in a cup final, and the Reds should have more confidence this time around with Liverpool fans making it feel more like a home atmosphere.
One star that Klopp should look to start here is Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian is crucial in helping prolong attacks against the high pressing sides, and that will be vital over Jota’s better finishing. Three goals and a number of chances to conceded to Benfica means no one from midweek have made a case to start this one over the regulars.
Here’s how we should line up:
A repeat back five of Alisson, Trent, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson start here with hopes of being more cautious with the high-line. Manchester City were able to bypass our highline on a couple of occasions last time, and that could prove costly in a knockout game.
Fabinho starts despite a rare poor display at the Etihad Stadium, with Thiago and Naby Keita installing an aggressive setup to help take control of the game. Henderson can come on later in the match where we have hopefully secured a lead.
Roberto Firmino comes in for Jota in an otherwise unchanged front three. Sadio Mane has been in strong form since returning as an Afcon winner, while Mohamed Salah’s assist was crucial last time round. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota both provide excellent options from the bench should we need to go all-out to get the win.
By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
How does Ross think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
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