It’s been a long time since Liverpool were in a Champions League quarter-final game but the wait should soon be over as the Reds head into tonight’s game with Porto with a 5-0 lead from the first leg, meaning they’ll be in the last eight, barring a disaster.
Jurgen Klopp’s men topped their group without losing a game before hammering the Portuguese giants in their own back yard.
With a few players returning from illness and with one eye on the weekend’s game with Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp might rest one or two players but he’s said publicly that he won’t be putting out a massively weakened side.
Here’s the XI I think the manager will select for the game:
Loris Karius
Loris Karius had, in my opinion, his best game for the club at the weekend so there’s no reason to take him out and disrupt his rhythm.
Joe Gomez
Gomez is back fit and needs minutes to build up his fitness so he gets the nod.
Dejan Lovren
Lovren played well in the first leg and I think he’ll keep his place.
Joel Matip
Virgil van Dijk has been excellent since his arrival and I think Klopp will give him a rest and pick Matip in his place.
Alberto Moreno
Andy Robertson didn’t train on Monday. Moreno is back fit and as such, I think he’ll get a rare start.
Emre Can
The manager seems keen to protect Jordan Henderson and therefore I think he’ll pick Can as his number six.
Gini Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum’s energy could be a key factor in this game. He missed the Newcastle game with illness but should be ok to feature.
Adam Lallana
There are a few options open to Klopp for the third midfield role but with Adam Lallana needing game time under his belt, I expect him to start.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Sadio Mane’s form has been good recently but I think Klopp will protect him by giving him a rest, picking Oxlade-Chamberlain in his place.
Mohamed Salah
Logic dictates that Mo Salah would get a rest too but I’m pretty sure Klopp will select him.
Dominic Solanke
Liverpool’s key man Roberto Firmino needs a break and he’s so valuable that it’s not worth risking him. This could be the perfect time for Dom Solanke to get himself his first Liverpool goal.
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