Liverpool could seal their progression to the Champions League last 16 tomorrow night as they take on Ajax in Amsterdam.
It’s a big night for Liverpool. Their supposed return to form was halted at the weekend with a dismal loss against Nottingham Forest.
Jurgen Klopp and his players need to show the fans that the abysmal result on Saturday was just a minor blip.
They’ve responded to setbacks numerous times already this season. They must do so again against Ajax to ensure a stress-free night on Matchday 6 against a rampant Napoli. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Defence
Going on form, the only player who could stake a claim for keeping his place in the team is Alisson Becker. The goalie has been Liverpool’s best player this season and will go again tomorrow.
In-front of him, we think Klopp will change half of the back four. Coming back in should be Trent Alexander-Arnold who’s minutes are being managed after the ankle knock he picked up at the Emirates.
Also returning should be Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman has missed the last three games after a colossal comeback against Rangers on Matchday 4.
Konate, who has been called ‘fantastic’ by Virgil Van Dijk via LFCTV, should partner the Dutchman on Wednesday. Andy Robertson should also keep his place from the weekend debacle.
Midfield
Klopp had to make a late call not to include Thiago Alcantara in the squad against Forest on Saturday.
A pesky ear infection kept him out and he had to return to Merseyside early, and in pain. Judging from Klopp’s comments afterwards, Thiago was slated to start that match. Having not been spotted in training, it looks like he’ll miss this one, too.
That means that Jordan Henderson will surely start for Liverpool. After another poor Fabinho showing in Nottingham, Klopp would have wanted Thiago available for this one. He could still make it, but the Liverpool boss isn’t one to rush his players back. Fabinho will likely play instead.
Attack
Liverpool were shockingly one-dimensional against Forest as their lack of pace showed horribly. Remedying that to some degree should be the return of Darwin Nunez, who will be badly needed against Ajax.
Roberto Firmino should be expected to be the Uruguayan’s partner in the middle of the attack.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah should be looking to back-up his hat-trick in the last matchday against Rangers. He started through the middle at the weekend, but we expect to see him jump back out wide in Holland.
Completing the front-four is Harvey Elliott. The right-side of the attack is not a space we’ve seen Elliott occupy for Liverpool yet. But with other options unavailable or struggling, he’s Klopp’s most suitable option at the moment.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Ajax: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Nunez, Elliott
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
