Starting XI: How should Liverpool line up against AC Milan?
@AdamMNVi
Liverpool can enjoy a trip to Milan on Tuesday night as they stroll onto the San Siro turf as group winners.
There’s talk of respecting the competition and having to field a strong XI, but any side that features Divock Origi is a formidable one!
Changes are vital for this one as the Reds continue through the busy Christmas period, with this Champions League clash providing some welcome respite for some key players.
Here’s how we should line up:
A full change of the back five sees Kelleher start in goal behind Tsimikas, Konate, Phillips and Williams. With Phillips paramount to Liverpool’s success last season, it feels right to reward him with a start at one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Joe Gomez is recently back from an injury, so could also feature at some point.
Liverpool’s midfield three from the past two games has been sensational, and a game against Aston Villa on the horizon means Klopp needs to limit their playing time on Tuesday night, but James Milner’s suspension means we are likely to see one of hose who played in the past two games used again in Italy.
I’ve gone with Tyler Morton to anchor in front of the back four in what will be his toughest test yet as a footballer, though the experienced figures of Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain provide stability in the midfield area.
Upfront is, of course, Origi. He had a mixed season during the last campaign, but that wasn’t the best year overall inside the empty stadiums. Now, he looks sharp and has already scored four and assisted two goals in nine appearances – with six of those coming from the bench.
Takumi Minamino comes in for some minutes and he will be hopeful of getting on the scoresheet. I think we’re yet to see the best of him, but he has looked brighter in his cameos this season. Sadio Mane completes the lineup from the left flank where he will have a chance to break his mini scoring drought of four games without a goal.
With Milan playing at full intensity it could prove to be a difficult night at the San Siro. Positively, the Serie A side needs a result in this one to have any chance of qualifying through to the knockouts, so it’s very unlikely we’ll see them park the bus. That said, there should be plenty of goals in this one.
Score prediction: AC Milan 2 – 2 Liverpool
How does Chris think Liverpool will line up? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below!
