The Reds tackle Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round-16 tie at Anfield later tonight and Jurgen Klopp knows the intensity of the challenge ahead.
Having faced the Bundesliga giants during his days as Borussia Dortmund boss, Klopp knows what to expect from the Bavarians and he must perfect his tactics ahead of the must-win game.
Klopp deployed a 4-3-3 formation in most of the games played so far this season, hence, today’s clash won’t be in exception and we expect him to name a strong starting XI who will perfectly execute his tactical plans.
Who and who are likely to be in Klopp’s starting XI in today’s game? Here is our probable line-up…
GOALKEEPER
Alisson Becker
The Brazilian goaltender continues to be in fine form for the Reds since his switch to Anfield from Roma last summer and he is set to be between the sticks ahead of Simon Mignolet.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The right-back is back to full fitness after spending some months on the sideline. He featured in their 3-0 victory over Bournemouth last weekend and he is set to regain his starting berth against the Bundesliga Champions.
Fabinho
The natural defensive midfielder could be converted to a centre-back for tonight’s game due to Virgil Van Dijk’s suspension and Dejan Lovren’s ankle injury.
The Brazilian star performed brilliantly at the back last month, hence, Klopp will comfortably slot him into the defensive position and hope he perform greatly.
Matip
The Cameroonian is the only natural centre-back available for Klopp, therefore, the German tactician has no other option but to start him.
As much as he sometimes make unexpected errors, the 27-year-old defender can be trusted to get the job done against in-form Bayern strikers.
Robertson
The Scott didn’t really have a direct competitor since Nathaniel Clyne was loaned to Bournemouth for the rest of the season. The 24-year-old is expected to complete Klopp’s four-man defensive setup in tonight’s crunch tie at Anfield stadium.
MIDFIELD
Henderson
The England international is expected to return to the starting lineup after overcoming his muscular complaint which forced him out of action against Bournemouth last weekend.
Wijnaldum
The Belgian is a workaholic star at the middle of the pitch, Klopp can’t afford to keep him on the bench.
Wijnaldum’s presence will be desperately needed at by the team as he will form a strong partnership with Henderson so as to provide solid shield for the back four.
Keita
The Guinean is currently justifying his price tag for the Merseyside club, therefore, he is set to be in the starting lineup ahead of James Milner.
The former RB Leipzig star put up a brilliant showing against the Cherries last weekend and Klopp will depend on his versatility against Bayern Munich.
Attack
Salah
The centre-forward remains untouchable in the team and he’s expected to lead the frontline against the Bavarians’ defenders. He will look to add to his tally in the competition.
Mane
The Senegalese remain in fine form for the Reds, he was on target against Bournemouth last weekend. He is definitely one of Klopp’s untouchables and he’s set to start at the left flank.
Firmino
He remains a major doubt for the encounter, he will need to undergo a late fitness test to know his fitness level ahead of the game.
If he passed the test, Klopp won’t hesitate to name him in the first XI where he will feature from the right wing.
Should he fail the test, summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri will be integrated into the starting lineup.
A win will see Liverpool have a foot in the quarter-final round of the competition, while, a defeat means they have huge mountain to climb in the reverse fixture which will take place at Allianz Arena.