Liverpool play Atletico Madrid tonight in the last sixteen of the Champions League. We’ve had a look at what team Jurgen Klopp is likely to select for this huge clash.
The Reds have never lost a tw0-legged European tie under Klopp’s leadership but this last-sixteen clash with Diego Simeone’s well-structured Atleti team could provide the ultimate test.
For one of the first times this season, Klopp has an almost full-strength first-team squad to choose from. In fact, Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathaniel Clyne are the only two players missing due to injury at the moment.
Alisson Becker will continue in goals for Liverpool. The Brazilian international was in inspired form again on Saturday, keeping another clean sheet in the 1-0 win at Norwich City.
Dejan Lovren could well get the nod for a rare start tonight, especially with the news that Diego Costa may feature at some stage for the home side. Lovren’s physical presence could earn him a starting place for this clash.
In midfield, James Milner may start in place of Jordan Henderson to give the captain some much-needed rest. Henderson gave everything he had right up until the last seconds against Norwich on Saturday. He might be on the bench tonight. Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum will probably make up the rest of the midfield triumvirate, alongside Milner.
Sadio Mané should return to the starting line-up having recovered from his recent injury. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will most likely keep their places too as Liverpool look for a valuable away goal at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Predicted Liverpool lineup (4-3-3) Vs Atletico Madrid: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mané
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