PREDICTING THE LIVERPOOL TEAM TO FACE FC PORTO

Liverpool turn their actions towards the Champions League tomorrow night when they travel to Portugal to face FC Porto. The game comes barely seventy two hours after the final whistle was blown on an enthralling 3-3 draw away to Brentford. With Premier League champions Manchester City the visitors at Anfield this Sunday, changes can be expected.

Jurgen Klopp has Naby Keita back available after a foot injury, but Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the game after he was left out of the travelling squad. It is as of now, unspecified as to what injury has ruled out the right back. Neco Williams is fit again and is part of the squad however. Let’s take a look at how we expect the team to line up.

In goal, Alisson Becker should continue as he seeks to put a tough night at Brentford behind him. At full back, we expect to see the pairing that faced Crystal Palace last week. Veteran James Milner at right back, and in form Greek, Kostas Tsimikas at left back. Andy Robertson had a poor night at Brentford and with City on the horizon, gets a breather.

At centre back, Virgil Van Dijk is likely to be partnered by Joe Gomez. Joel Matip playing two games in four days puts him at risk so it’s his turn to get rested after Virgil missed the Milan game. ‘Ibou’ is also an option but we feel Joe gets the nod due to his existing understanding with Virgil. It is a partnership that propelled us to the league title the other year after all.

In midfield, we don’t expect any changes from Saturday’s trio. James Milner being deployed at right back means it’s only Oxlade-Chamberlain and the returning Keita as alternatives. Ox hasn’t covered himself in glory with his two appearances against Norwich and Keita only resumed training today. With five subs allowed, we expect Naby to come off the bench.

In attack, Roberto Firmino marked his return from a hamstring complaint with a twenty five minute cameo at Brentford. We expect to see him start here, possibly for Mo Salah. Once again, the City tie looms large, so Jurgen has to juggle his options. Mo won’t want to be rested, and you can expect him to come off the bench angry and with a point to prove.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Milner, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Henderson, Jones, Jota, Firmino, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Adrian, Williams, Matip, Konate, Phillips, Robertson, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Minamino, Origi.