The knockout stages are nearly upon Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s men set to face the Serie A’s second-placed outfit, Inter Milan, in the Round of 16.
The Nerazzurri will be without key man Nicolo Barella, whilst the Reds boast a mostly full-strength squad following the return of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane from the AFCON tournament.
Nonetheless, the Merseysiders will be under no illusions that they’ll enjoy an easy game at the San Siro.
Alisson Becker is, of course, the man expected to stand between the sticks, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip paired in central defence ahead of the Brazilian international.
In midfield, skipper Jordan Henderson will likely be joined by the superb duo of Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.
Salah could very well retain his place in the forward line, with nods also given to Diogo Jota, who should be back in the side after a dead leg kept him on the bench against Burnley, and Mane.
EOTK’s XI: Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Trent, Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson, Mane, Jota, Salah
#Ep33 of The Red Nets Podcast: Diaz’s debut, Elliott’s return, Mane to La Liga?… and more!
We should start with Mane, Firmino and Salah. With 5 subs available, we should look to bring on Jota and Diaz in the second half against a tiring and shaky Inter back line. Additionally, Thiago should only start if Hendo is fit, without Hendo we do not have the legs in midfield to justify Thiago playing. If he plays without Hendo in there we will cede control of the midfield. So much so, that it might be worth considering a start for Milner.