Klopp drops huge clue over team selection for Porto clash

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Jurgen Klopp is evidently taking nothing for granted as Liverpool ready themselves for a Porto fightback in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.

The Reds’ commanding 5-0 aggregate lead heading into the second leg had triggered suggestions the German could make significant team changes in preparation for Saturday’s trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Unless he boasts a mean poker face, Klopp has quashed such ideas and vowed to concentrate on finishing the job at Anfield.

“They are Portuguese and proud and will give a fight. They want to strike back. If anybody here thinks they come here and give the game up, leave their star players at home or whatever, they are mistaken,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It’s Champions League and the whole world is watching. I don’t think for a second about resting anybody.”

“I know it’s Manchester United afterwards but we cannot change it. We can’t say, ‘now we pick this and rest him’.”

Though Klopp can be expected to field a near-strongest starting eleven, an early goal will surely deter uncertainty over hauling off his stars with Jose Mourinho’s men in mind.

A rejection of the opportunity to rest players could also prove Klopp’s way of asserting his strength in depth and the idea that it should come as no surprise if certain players are to earn a start.

Adam Lallana fits that assessment, with the midfielder tipped to play from the off having been eased back into action following his return from a three-month injury layoff in the first half of the season.

As for second-half options, striker Danny Ings could find himself in line for a deserved run-out having made his long-awaited debut on the European stage during the first leg in Portugal.

Youngsters Ben Woodburn and Dominic Solanke are other possible alternatives, with the latter recently bagging a hat-trick in an U23s win over Stoke City.

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