The most elite European competition in football is finally back as RB Leipzig host Liverpool in the Round of 16 fixture of the Champions League. The first leg of any such knock-out competition is utterly important as it creates a gap between both the sides. Liverpool have been far off their best but might take this as an opportunity to get back into the thick of things.
Jurgen Klopp has been one dissatisfied, disgruntled and angry manager after the Reds have been terrible this season in the Premier League. But he will hope that they will come back towards the business end of the season in the Champions League at least. With a lack of resources in the squad, Klopp will have a tough time while selecting his starting XI.
Let us now have a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side against RB Leipzig in the first leg of the Round of 16 fixture of the Champions League.
THE 4-3-3
Even though things aren’t going in the manner which Klopp would have wanted, it is likely of him to stick to the 4-3-3 formation. After a disappointing loss against Leicester City, it is unlikely for the newcomer Kabak as he did a lot of mistakes in his first game. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho will be the expected centre-back pairing because of their experience in big games.
With the injury to veteran James Milner, Thiago should come back to the starting lineup, after failing expectations since his arrival this summer. Gini Wijnaldum has been very consistent for Liverpool this season and luckily has been injury-free throughout the season. Curtis Jones has had a good breakout season and has brought the impetus in Liverpool’s midfield in Keita’s absence.
Mo Salah has been the only source of goals for Liverpool but Firmino and Mane have been woeful for most parts of this season. Alisson has also had a tough patch of games with poor form but will need to be at his best against RB Leipzig.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 has always been Klopp’s backup plan but it hasn’t been used by the Reds since the injury to Diogo Jota. His fitness isn’t yet up to par and in such a system, Shaqiri will be expected to play on the right flank. Firmino will be asked to play a bit deeper in his preferred role where he can dictate play and not necessarily be at the end of things.
Sadio Mane hasn’t played well this season and should make it a point do prove his worth in the biggest stages of them all. The defence will still be Liverpool’s biggest concern as they have been very open in the recent past. Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have also been poor and will face trouble if they are not at their A-game against Leipzig.
The game will be a rollicking encounter with both sides going for the kill having good attacking threat. But the game will be won by the side who will have a better defensive shape to them surely.
