@AdamMNVi
After Liverpool kept on the tails of Manchester City in the Premier League with a draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, the focus now switches to booking a place in the Champions League semi-final.
A dominant display in Lisbon saw Luis Diaz’s late goal secure a 3-1 win and crucial two-goal advantage as we head into the home leg, and Liverpool will be massive favourites as the Liga NOS side arrive on Anfield having to attack to maintain any chance of overturning the deficit.
That bodes well for Jurgen Klopp as the Reds look to utilise their depth in this one. While it is important to focus game-by-game, it is undeniable that there will be at least one eye on the FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City that waits for Liverpool on Saturday.
Here’s how we should line up:
Changes in defence see Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas come into the side along Virgil van Dijk. It’s important to keep the squad as fresh as possible in a run-in that could potentially end with a quadruple, and Klopp should look to withdraw Virgil in the second half if the game is out of sight.
Fabinho starts from the six having not had the best game against City on Sunday, and it will be important for him to play himself back into some form before Saturday. Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita complete the midfield as Thiago is given a rest.
Upfront presents a chance for Mohamed Salah to get back into scoring form. A goal from open play would help boost the Egyptian King’s confidence at just the right time of the season. Roberto Firmino starts centrally against a Benfica side that have no choice but to press, and that will only help Luis Diaz who will be given plenty of space to make an impact on the left flank.
It’s going to be tough for Benfica in this one as they come to Anfield with a gameplan that will leave them very open to the counter, and that could see the game in Liverpool’s hands by the half-time whistle.
By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
How does Paul think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
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