Liverpool go into tonight’s game vs Benfica with two star players running the risk of suspension. Jurgen Klopp should leave them out of this one.
Liverpool host Benfica tonight with a 3-1 lead after their fine performance in Portugal. Avoid a two-goal defeat and it’s yet another semi-final for Jurgen Klopp and co.
It’ll be against the waiting Villarreal, who shocked football last night by eliminating Bayern Munich from the Champions League. Liverpool just need to avoid mistakes and they’ll be there.
But two players are at risk of missing the first leg against Villarreal, regardless of the result tonight. Sadio Mané and Diogo Jota are each a yellow card away from suspension, making their selection tonight a tricky one. For us, Klopp should sit them out of this one.
Liverpool vs Benfica
Liverpool aren’t simply fighting for the Champions League this season. They’re hoping to overtake Manchester City in the Premier League and face the champions again this weekend in the FA Cup.
That makes it a squad game for the rest of Liverpool’s season. Rest players where you can, make use of the fact that this is the strongest squad the Reds have ever had.
And a situation like this is the perfect time to rotate. Liverpool must go into tonight’s game feeling confident, knowing that even a weakened side can see them through. It’s the only way they maintain a strong, fresh team to face City at the weekend.
We’ve already suggested rotating both Thiago and Andy Robertson – you can ad Mané and Jota to that list, too.
Both will likely start at Wembley, while both will also be preferred to start in a potential semi-final first-leg against Villarreal. And as we’re seeing, making sure you have your best XI for the first leg can set up a much more comfortable second.
So we don’t think Klopp should pick either Mané or Jota. Give them the night off, guarantee they’re available for the next Champions League game and keep them fresh for Saturday.
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