Liverpool host Rangers in matchday three of the UEFA Champions League group stages on Tuesday night, looking to improve on their efforts against Brighton on Saturday. Let’s have a look at my predicted starting XI for the game:
GK- Alisson
Brazillian keeper, Alisson, should keep his place in goal despite conceding three goals against Brighton at the weekend. Similarly to the Napoli defeat, the scoreline could’ve been a lot uglier for the Reds if it wasn’t for Alisson.
Defence- Trent, Virgil, Matip, Tsimikas
With Trent not getting much game time whilst away with England (much to the frustration of many) he should be fit enough to play another 90 minutes on Tuesday. Some people may argue Trent needs dropping due to his recent form but without a natural right-back fit enough to slot into the back four, Joe Gomez or James Milner would have to fill in which wouldn’t be ideal.
After his performance in Naples a few weeks back it is hard to see Joe Gomez starting at the heart of defence whilst Matip is fit. Ibou Konate is also still not quite back to full fitness, leaving the same partnership which played against Brighton.
The Greek international will keep his place at left-back since Andy Robertson is still recovering from a knee injury. Klopp will be looking for a similar performance to Tsimikas’ game against Ajax in which he was phenomenal.
Midfield- Henderson, Thiago, Elliott
Not only has Fabinho looked poor in form but he also looks absolutely shattered. Therefore, I would have Henderson drop into the six role with Thiago Alcantara and youngster Harvey Elliott on either side of him. This midfield should still have the ability to dictate the game against Rangers whilst being balanced enough to provide support at both ends of the pitch. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones are all still not fit enough to be involved yet.
Forwards- Salah, Jota, Diaz
Colombian and Portuguese forwards, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, should come back into the side alongside Mohamed Salah after being rested against Brighton. This feels harsh on Roberto Firmino who had a solid game at the weekend, scoring two goals, but heading into his thirties I can’t see Bobby starting two games in three days. New signing Darwin Nunez will definitely come off the bench and hope to make the impact we have all been hoping for.