It’s been a long time since Liverpool were in a Champions League knockout game but the wait will soon be over when the Reds face Porto on Wednesday evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s men topped their group without losing a game and will be looking to build upon the weekend’s win over Southampton.
With a few players returning from injury, Klopp has almost a full squad to choose from, although Emre Can is suspended for the game.
Here’s the XI I think the manager will select for the game:
Loris Karius
Loris Karius played all six group games and it looks like he’ll stay in the side for the knockouts too.
Joe Gomez
Gomez is back fit and I think Klopp will pick him over Trent Alexander-Arnold to give a bit more defensive stability to the Reds.
Dejan Lovren
Lovren didn’t play at St Mary’s but I think he gets the nod here.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s record signing looks set to make his European debut for the club.
Andrew Robertson
Alberto Moreno is back fit and is certainly an option but I think Klopp sticks with Robertson.
Jordan Henderson
With Can suspended, Henderson will anchor the midfield.
Gini Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum’s energy could be a key factor in this game.
James Milner
There are a few options open to Klopp for the third midfield role, with Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in contention, but I think he’ll want Milner’s experience on the field.
Sadio Mane
Mane’s form has been hit and miss but he’s still a huge threat and will start.
Mohamed Salah
Speaking of huge threats! Mo Salah has been in amazing goal scoring form all year. He’ll be looking for goal number 30 of the season in Portugal.
Roberto Firmino
Liverpool’s key man, Firmino will lead the line.
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