Liverpool’s efforts at the end of the 2016/17 season were enough to secure them fourth place in the Premier League table and their reward is a two-legged tie with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, with the winners advancing to the group stages.
The Reds travelled to Germany without Philippe Coutinho, Nathaniel Clyne, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana, who are all missing through injury… apparently.
Hoffenheim were probably the toughest team Liverpool could have drawn for the tie but Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful that his side have what it takes to ensure safe passage into the group stages.
The first leg will be a tough game for the Reds, who’ll be hoping they can match the goalscoring prowess that they showed against Watford whilst simultaneously looking for a much-improved defensive showing.
Here is the starting line-up that I think Klopp will select for the game.
Simon Mignolet
Mignolet had a few dicey moments against Watford but the starting job looks to be his for the immediate future.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
With Nathaniel Clyne still out injured, Trent looks set to continue at right-back,
Joel Matip
Matip will be looking to lead the defence to a more solid performance than what they showed at the weekend.
Dejan Lovren
Lovren had a very up and down game at Vicarage Road too, he’ll be looking to be more consistent.
James Milner
Having sat out at Watford until late in the game, I think Klopp will use Milner at left-back in place of Alberto Moreno.
Jordan Henderson
Henderson was another who underperformed at the weekend. As club captain, he’ll be looking to put things right at Hoffenheim.
Emre Can
Can will return to his homeland and looks certain to start.
Gini Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum was poor at the weekend but with options limited, it’s hard to see anything other than him starting the game.
Sadio Mane
One of the positives at the weekend was Sadio Mane who looked razor sharp.
Mohamed Salah
Salah’s full debut gave a glimpse of just how good he can be and Liverpool will be hoping for more of the same on Tuesday night.
Roberto Firmino
Firmino is set to get a very good welcome as he returns to his old club.
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