Liverpool’s £90m duo to return to starting XI: Predicted XI vs Leipzig
With Liverpool facing their second leg tie against RB Leipzig tonight in the Champions League Round of 16, Jurgen Klopp and his side will be hoping to build on the 2-0 aggregate lead to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Reds have stayed steady in the Champions League despite their difficulties domestically, with them only losing one game in Europe so far this campaign. Not only that but the club have some of their best players back for the game after recently returning from injury with the likes of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who has become a makeshift centre-back this season, and Portuguese forward Diogo Jota who hit the ground running for the club since joining at the start of the current season.
With that comes the tough decision for Jurgen Klopp of selecting the best possible side to beat Leipzig and progress through the competition, and I can see some big and important changes to give the Reds the best possible chance to do so.
So, how might the Reds lineup against RB Leipzig tonight?
Formation: 4-3-3
As they do on most matchdays, the Reds will likely start in a 4-3-3 formation starting with Brazilian No.1 Alisson between the sticks but the big change will be in the two central defenders in front of him. As was known, Fabinho has recently returned from injury and didn’t start the game against Fulham at the weekend and missed the first leg of the tie. He will be joined by Ozan Kabak if everything is correct with the young Turkish international making his return as well after a small muscular issue. The usual faces of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will no doubt make up the rest of the defence.
Can Liverpool beat RB Leipzig tonight?
Guinean midfielder Naby Keita made his first start since mid-December against Fulham on Sunday and I reckon he will start tonight too. He is undoubtedly a talented player and brings a great attacking dimension to the Liverpool midfield. I’m hoping he will be joined by Gini Wijnaldum in the holding role that he has had to adapt to due to injuries this season, as well as youngster Curtis Jones in LCM who has been massively impressive this season when called upon and is clearly playing beyond his years.
In attack, we will likely see Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah keep their places on either wing and it is easy to know why – the pair are two of the best wingers in the world and are simply just out of form at the moment much like the rest of the Reds squad. The big change will be Diogo Jota starting upfront after his return from injury, with Brazilian No.9 Roberto Firmino likely to be injured for the game with a knee problem according to The Times’ Paul Joyce.
What do you think Liverpool fans, how would you lineup against RB Leipzig? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…