Liverpool’s miserable Anfield run has stretched to six games now after their defeat to Fulham in the Premier League. The Reds will now face RB Leipzig at Budapest due to Covid-19 restrictions in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in the Champions League. A mediocre defensive display from Leipzig at the Puskas Arena in the first leg helped Liverpool to come out 2-0 winners.
With two away goals, Liverpool enter the contest as clear favourites but Julian Nagelsmann’s side will surely look for a comeback against the struggling hosts. Given Liverpool’s recent defensive struggles, the possibility of a sensational comeback from the German side can’t be ruled out. Jurgen Klopp rested many of his key players against Fulham and most of them are expected to return to action on Wednesday night.
Let us now take a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side in the most elite competition in European football against one of the most exciting teams in the continent.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 is the most likely system to be employed by Klopp to secure a quarter-final spot for his side. Alisson may retain his place in goal. Fabinho may replace Rhys Williams and partner Nat Phillips at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold will most likely be picked ahead of Neco Williams for this clash.
Thiago and Curtis Jones are expected to return to the midfield and will look to control proceedings to deny the in-form Cristopher Nkunku from creating scoring chances. Sadio Mane who scored in the first leg may come in to partner Mohamed Salah on the wings. With Firmino doubtful due to injury, Diogo Jota will look to get his form back to help his team get back on track for a strong finish to the season.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the only alternative formation that Klopp might use. With two defensive midfielders Liverpool might focus on solid defensive football to protect their first-leg advantage. Xherdan Shaqiri might get a chance to feature from the right side of the attack with top scorer Mohamed Salah going up top. With Leipzig expected to apply pressure from the get-go, Liverpool will look to catch them on the break with the pace of Mane, Jota and Salah.
Fabinho will need to be at his best to lead the backline against the threat from Yussuf Poulsen and Alexander Sorloth. Alisson has produced some heroic performances in this competition in the past and the fans will have high expectations from the Liverpool number one. The midfield will rely highly on the experience and class of Thiago Alacantara who helped Bayern Munich win the trophy last season.
With their forwards struggling to find goals and the defence looking shaky in the absence of their best centre backs, it will be a paramount task for the Reds to come out on top in this match. The Champions League is the only possible silverware for the Reds having been eliminated from both domestic cups and horror league form. Liverpool will look to gain much-needed confidence with a positive result against the German outfit.
