Score from first leg: 1-1 (Liverpool have the away goal advantage)
Who should start up front?
Jurgen Klopp faces a pleasant headache over his striking options after seeing Origi follow up his potentially crucial goal at Dortmund with a brace off the bench on Sunday against Stoke, while Daniel Sturridge is undoubtedly the Reds’ most dangerous attacker with the Englishman having made his way back to full fitness and regaining his lethal touch in recent weeks.
And not to forget, Roberto Firmino is also in the mix to lead the line, having returned to the starting eleven against Stoke, and with precedents showing that Klopp tends to prefer the skilful Brazilian operating up front in big games. Could Klopp be going for a Sturridge-Origi strike partnership upfront as hinted or would he once again turn to Firmino for what is surely a massive home game for the Reds.
The ultimate salvation of a turbulent season
With the Reds out of either domestic cups and not anywhere near the title, the Europa League has become the final chance for them to salvage some pride from what has been a turbulent season and without forgetting thatEuropa League could offer Liverpool a way back into the Champions League, with the Europa League winners now offered a golden ticket into the Champions League. Never mind the sheer hype that surrounded the previous round when Liverpool triumphed over historic rivals Manchester United, thursday’s second leg with Dortmund will go down as Liverpool’s biggest European clash since the days when ex-boss Rafa Bentiez led the Reds to two dramatic finals. Not discounting the fact that holders Sevilla (most likely) could be lying in the final should Liverpool manage to hold off Dortmund, but there is also an increasingly strong belief that if the Reds can beat their German opponents a first European trophy since the memorable one in 2005 would be well within their grasp.
Klopp can count on Liverpool’s famous 12th man
When talking about Liverpool’s proud European history, one can never overlook the power of Anfield on European nights. Liverpool’s history is dotted with examples of their supporters providing the bone-chilling atmosphere at Anfield to intimidate the opposition while providing inspiration for the Reds to deliver success on the pitch. St Etienne in 1977, Barcelona in 2001, the dramatic finish against Olympiakos followed by the semi-final second leg against Chelsea that saw one of the most memorable goals when Luis Garcia put Liverpool in front with what then Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho came to call “the ghost goal”, as the Reds rode on their home support on the road to their 2005 triumph. Liverpool will need their famous home support again as they take on a Dortmund who are very much still in the tie, and Klopp can be sure that he can count on the famous 12th man to deliver once again.