Champions League
Dec 9, 2020 5.55pm
1
1
HT : 0 1
FT MCH Arena
  • Frank Onyeka 9' yellowcard
  • Dion Cools 31' yellowcard
  • Alexander Scholz 62' goal
  • Mikael Anderson 81' yellowcard
  • goal Mohamed Salah 1'
  • yellowcard Caoimhin Kelleher 61'

How Liverpool could line up against FC Midtjylland

How Liverpool could line up against FC Midtjylland

Liverpool have the luxury of going into their final Champions League group game with their position in the last 16 as winners of the pool already secured.

The six-time winners of the competition take on Danish champions FC Midtjylland, who are guaranteed to finish bottom of the group regardless of what happens on matchday six.

Changes are therefore expected for what is effectively a dead-rubber, although both sides will still be keen to end their European involvement for 2020 on a high.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Jurgen Klopp could set his side out for the trip to Denmark.


Out: Alisson Becker (hamstring), Virgil van Dijk (knee), Joe Gomez (knee), Thiago Alcantara (knee), James Milner (hamstring), Xherdan Shaqiri (muscle) Doubtful: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee)

> Click here for Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Klopp is likely to make sweeping changes for this match considering Liverpool's recent relentless schedule, injury problems and the upcoming festive period.

Wednesday's match is likely to be seen as an opportunity to give fringe players a chance, but perhaps even more importantly as a chance to rest a number of his stars.

That could include all of the famed front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, while Andrew Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum are also in line for a rest following their starring roles at the weekend.

Diogo Jota was left out of the starting XI for Sunday's win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, suggesting that the summer signing could start on Wednesday night, having netted one of his four Champions League goals this season in the reverse fixture.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher could keep their places from the weekend, with the latter looking to become the first Liverpool goalkeeper to keep clean sheets in his first two Champions League starts for the club.

Kelleher has now succeeded Adrian as the number two to Alisson Becker, who could return from his hamstring problem this weekend.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also closing in on his return from a knee problem but may fall just short of being ready for Wednesday's game, although there was good news on the injury front at the weekend with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita returning off the bench.

Klopp may view Wednesday's game as a good chance for both to get more minutes under their belts, while Rhys Williams and highly-rated Billy Koumetio could form a youthful centre-back partnership.

Kostas Tsimikas, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are among the other fringe players hoping to earn a start, but Klopp's rotation options are limited by a long injury list which still includes Thiago, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri, among others.

POLL
Who will win Wednesday's Champions League clash between Midtjylland and Liverpool?
FC Midtjylland 17%
Draw 16%
Liverpool 67%
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