We should learn Liverpool’s Champions League final XI by the end of today – RTK View

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Liverpool will name an XI for the FA Cup final later today but it will also clue everyone into their Champions League final. Jurgen Klopp has a lot to think about.

Liverpool play Chelsea in the FA Cup final later today in what we’ll call the second-biggest game of their season. There’s a Champions League final on the 28th, after all.

But make no mistake – Jurgen Klopp will want his best possible XI out there at Wembley as he tries to win his second domestic cup of the season. Unfortunately, he can’t have his outright best.

That’s because Fabinho’s hamstring gave out in midweek. He won’t play against Chelsea, though is expected to return for the final against Real Madrid in two weeks.

Jordan Henderson almost certainly deputises in the holding midfield role and he’s a fine replacement. That should push Naby Keita into a midfield role, too. Thiago will play alongside them.

Four of the back five are obvious. Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Virgil van Dijk at centre-back and Andy Robertson on the left. The other centre-back? That’s up for debate but it’ll either be Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konate.

Up top, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané are certainties. Then it’s either Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota to play alongside them – flip a coin for that one.

And with that, you’ve got Liverpool’s FA Cup final XI (with a couple of guesses). But you also get a giant clue to their Champions League final XI – or at least, will do at the full-time whistle today.

Liverpool’s Champions League final XI

The Champions League final team will look awfully similar, of course. But there are a couple of changes – for one, Fabinho will be back.

That means Henderson and Keita are essentially playing for a spot at Paris today. If either shines, they’ll get the nod – we think it’s as simple as that.

Klopp will also hand a chance to a centre-back and a forward who will each have opportunities to earn their Paris spot. If Konate gets picked and plays well, we imagine he retains his place for the other final. Disappoint? Well, there’s someone there to take your spot.

Today we get to see who Klopp trusts the most in each role. We also get to see who repays him for that trust and with it, who gets to start the Champions League final.