Liverpool go into Wednesday evening’s game with Hoffenheim hold a 2-1 advantage from the away leg, meaning if they can manage to prevent the visitors scoring twice, they will guarantee themselves a place in the Champions League group stages.
Fresh off the back of a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, in which the team looked more solid and with a game against Arsenal on the horizon, Jurgen Klopp will know that he has to balance the importance of winning the game against the risk of tiredness and injuries setting in.
With all that in mind, here is the XI that I think the manager will select for the game.
Simon Mignolet
Mignolet’s penalty save in the first leg was a huge moment in the tie. He’ll be hoping for a quite night on Wednesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold was rested at the weekend so is likely to come back into the fold here.
Joel Matip
Matip has played every game so far but it’s unlikely that he’ll get a rest until the international break. Clearly the first choice.
Dejan Lovren
Ragnar Klavan did well at the weekend and Liverpool looked solid but I think Lovren will come back into the side.
Andy Robertson
Robertson had a very good debut and I see Klopp rewarding him with a start here.
Jordan Henderson
Henderson looked a bit brighter against Crystal Palace after a couple of poor outings previously.
Emre Can
Rested at the weekend, I think Can comes back in for this game against his fellow countrymen.
James Milner
Gini Wijnaldum has looked off the pace since the season began and Milner has done well when asked to play in midfield. I think the manager will give the Englishman the nod.
Sadio Mane
There is a thought to giving Mane a rest but that would be a gamble. Ideally, Liverpool will be able to take him off with the game in hand, fingers crossed!
Mohamed Salah
Salah’s pace, along with Mane, could give Liverpool some joy in counter attacking situations as the visitors must press on to look for goals.
Roberto Firmino
Firmino is another player who is likely to feature in every game until the break. Again, Liverpool will like to be in a position to give him a breather if at all possible.
