Champions League
Apr 27, 2022 8.00pm
2
0
HT : 0 0
FT Anfield
  • Virgil van Dijk 32' yellowcard
  • Pervis Estupinan 53' goal
  • Sadio Mane 55' goal
  • yellowcard Pervis Estupinan 47'
  • yellowcard Giovani Lo Celso 62'

How Liverpool could line up against Villarreal

How Liverpool could line up against Villarreal

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp only has one injury concern to work around for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Villarreal at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Roberto Firmino's foot injury kept him out of the 2-0 win over Merseyside rivals Everton at the weekend, and the Brazilian attacker remains a major doubt for the visit of Unai Emery's side.

Klopp did not consider rotating his full-backs at the weekend in spite of the demanding schedule, as Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold prepare for another midweek battle.

However, one change in the rearguard will likely see Ibrahima Konate - who scored in both legs of the quarter-final win over Benfica - partner Virgil van Dijk as Joel Matip drops to the bench.

Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara's spots in the engine room are seemingly safe, while Jordan Henderson was benched at the weekend but will likely replace Naby Keita here.

While Firmino could make himself available for the first leg, Klopp is sure to avoid taking any unnecessary risks on the ex-Hoffenheim man while he has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will expect to hold their places, and another bright cameo from Luis Diaz in the Merseyside derby should precede a start for the Colombian over Diogo Jota here.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz

> Click here to see how Villarreal could line up for the first leg

POLL
Who will win Wednesday's Champions League clash between Liverpool and Villarreal?
Liverpool 78%
Draw 11%
Villarreal 11%
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