Liverpool face an uphill battle on Tuesday night after losing the first leg of their Champions League semi-final 3-0 to Barcelona. On the weekend, Liverpool scraped a 3-2 win against Newcastle to keep their title dreams alive, whilst Barcelona were able to make 11 changes. Matters were made worse when Klopp confirmed Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino would miss the second leg through injury.
So, with key players unavailable, who should start for Liverpool?
So, with key players unavailable, who should start for Liverpool?
GOALKEEPER - Alisson
It would be astonishing if the Brazilian was to be dropped for Mignolet. He needs to be on form to keep Messi and Suarez quiet and stop any away goals from making the task even harder.
It would be astonishing if the Brazilian was to be dropped for Mignolet. He needs to be on form to keep Messi and Suarez quiet and stop any away goals from making the task even harder.
RIGHT BACK - Trent Alexander-Arnold
The decision to drop Alexander-Arnold for Gomez in the first leg was strange, especially given Gomez is more comfortable at centre back. Liverpool missed his crossing in the final third and this was shown by his two assists against Newcastle. An attacking emphasis is needed at Anfield and Alexander-Arnold will thrive off that.
The decision to drop Alexander-Arnold for Gomez in the first leg was strange, especially given Gomez is more comfortable at centre back. Liverpool missed his crossing in the final third and this was shown by his two assists against Newcastle. An attacking emphasis is needed at Anfield and Alexander-Arnold will thrive off that.
CENTRAL DEFENCE - Joel Matip & Virgil van Dijk
Dejan Lovren might have played his last game for Liverpool on Saturday. The Croat was exposed by Salomon Rondon and struggled against the pacy Atsu. Joel Matip must return to the starting line up.
Dejan Lovren might have played his last game for Liverpool on Saturday. The Croat was exposed by Salomon Rondon and struggled against the pacy Atsu. Joel Matip must return to the starting line up.
Much like Alisson, van Dijk needs to play at his best for Liverpool to go through. He marshalled Messi well for 80 minutes, but for the last 10, the G.O.A.T. scored twice. Although unlikely, that cannot happen again.
LEFT BACK - Andy Robertson
Liverpool's most consistent player was their best at the Nou Camp. A constant threat and superb defensively and offensively, Robertson is the best left back on the world.
Liverpool's most consistent player was their best at the Nou Camp. A constant threat and superb defensively and offensively, Robertson is the best left back on the world.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD - Fabinho
The Brazilian, making a move to block Messi, got punched by the Argentine. The referee decided Messi was fouled and from the resulting free kick, he scored THAT goal. Will Fabinho land the knock out punch tonight?
The Brazilian, making a move to block Messi, got punched by the Argentine. The referee decided Messi was fouled and from the resulting free kick, he scored THAT goal. Will Fabinho land the knock out punch tonight?
CENTRAL MIDFIELD - Gini Wijnaldum & Jordan Henderson
Had he been fit, Naby Keita would have definitely started this game. Unfortunately, he isn't and Wijnaldum will take his place.
Had he been fit, Naby Keita would have definitely started this game. Unfortunately, he isn't and Wijnaldum will take his place.
About 10 years ago, on a big European night, Liverpool would have looked to captain Steven Gerrard for inspiration. Now, captain Jordan Henderson has the same responsibility. Can he have a Gerrard-like performance?
RIGHT WING - Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri always loves a big occasion and this is about as big as it can get. The Swiss has the creative ability to cause Barcelona problems and has the capability of scoring a wonder goal.
Shaqiri always loves a big occasion and this is about as big as it can get. The Swiss has the creative ability to cause Barcelona problems and has the capability of scoring a wonder goal.
LEFT WING - Sadio Mane
He is the only one of the main front three to be fit, so all the hope lies on Sadio Mane. On his day he is unplayable and fans will be hoping he will be exactly that. Mane can certainly get some joy against Sergi Roberto at right back but his pace means Semedo may be deployed to cope with his threat.
He is the only one of the main front three to be fit, so all the hope lies on Sadio Mane. On his day he is unplayable and fans will be hoping he will be exactly that. Mane can certainly get some joy against Sergi Roberto at right back but his pace means Semedo may be deployed to cope with his threat.
STRIKER - Divock Origi
The Belgian has been effective from the bench this season, scoring late goals against Everton and Newcastle, but has to start. The truth is that Origi is a big downgrade on Firmino but on a European night at Anfield, anything is possible
The Belgian has been effective from the bench this season, scoring late goals against Everton and Newcastle, but has to start. The truth is that Origi is a big downgrade on Firmino but on a European night at Anfield, anything is possible
SUBSTITUTES: Mignolet, Lovren, Gomez, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Brewster, Sturridge
If I'm being honest, there is no hope for Liverpool. Barcelona are simply too good and will have learnt from last year so will not lose a 3 goal lead. Also, Roma scored an away goal, something Liverpool did not do. I'll go 2-1 Liverpool.
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