LIVERPOOL VS FC PORTO: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host FC Porto at Anfield tomorrow night in the Champions League. The Reds have already qualified, whilst Porto are in a straight shootout with Atletico Madrid (not discounting AC Milan) for second place. It will be interesting to see how Liverpool approach the game and indeed line up. We take a look at the latter.

You can find a preview of the game here:

https://made4liverpool.com/2021/11/22/liverpool-vs-fc-porto-preview/

Qualification as group winners is already assured so Jürgen Klopp is likely to rotate his side. He explained at length in his pre-match press conference, the need to maintain rhythm and momentum, and his side’s desire to win even if it isn’t must win. It is therefore likely to be 5/6 changes and not the wholesale 10/11 some expect.

In goal, I expect birthday boy Caoimhin Kelleher to come into the side, given Alisson a breather. Ideally, all players that went on international duty and returned to start against Arsenal could do with a rest. Neco Williams returned to training after missing out against Arsenal due to a tight muscle. He’s also in line to start.

He was incredible against Belgium for Wales, in a Man of the Match performance which led to Rob Page suggesting the need for a loan move, a suggestion Klopp batted away. With Trent in the form he’s in, it’s even tougher for Williams to get game time, so a night like tomorrow is perfect for him to come in and show what he can do.

Virgil Van Dijk has had a full schedule over the last few weeks with club and international commitments so he gets his rest tomorrow. Summer signing Konaté hasn’t played since the Brighton draw a little over three weeks ago. He needs games and should start tomorrow night.

There’s a case to be made for Nat Phillips partnering him as he’s not had a lot of game time himself (just two appearances). With the number of changes in the backline though, it could be Joel Matip who is picked, to lead the young back five. Tsimikas should continue at left back with Robertson not ready to start.

The midfield is a bit more tricky to pick with injury ruling out Jones, Elliott and Naby Keita. James Milner returned to training today after a month out with a hamstring injury but the game is likely to come too soon for him to feature. Henderson is also unlikely to be risked from the start as he is carefully managed.

Fabinho returned late from international duty with Brazil and played the full game on Saturday so should also be given a rest. That leaves youngster Tyler Morton (who made his PL debut vs Arsenal) in the holding role, flanked by Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago. A huge vote of confidence for the 19 year old.

Upfront, Firmino remains out but Divock Origi has resumed training after a bout of illness. Diogo Jota also took part in training after taking a blow to the knee on Saturday. Minamino is due a start after scoring off the bench and is likely to be joined by Origi. The third forward could be any of the trio that started on Saturday.

Sadio Mané suffered a blow to the ribs on international duty but overcame it to torment Arsenal. Jota took a whack to the knee against the Gunners, and Salah has been our best player this season and would it make much sense to be risking him in a ‘dead rubber’? Tough one for the manager to juggle.

With five subs available, we could see a few more youngsters off the bench. Or we could see more senior players come on to help secure the win and the prize money that comes along with it. All in all, six changes to the side that dismantled Arsenal, and a side littered with enough quality to give Porto a game.

Predicted team:

Kelleher, Williams, Matip, Konaté, Tsimikas, Morton, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago, Minamino, Origi, Mané.

Subs: Alisson, Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Phillips, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Salah, Jota, Bradley, Beck.