Predicted XI

Champions League team news: How Liverpool and RB Leipzig could line-up

Jurgen Klopp's men take a 2-0 lead into the second leg against RB Leipzig, but how will they both line-up in the tie?

 
10:42am on Tuesday 9th March 2021
By
Cameron Smith

Liverpool's injury woes have become so apparent in recent weeks, and having lost six games in a row at Anfield, a feat unheard of for reigning champions, they need to bounce back and secure passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.

They take a 2-0 aggregate lead into the second leg against Julian Nagelsmann's RB Leipzig side, but will need to be wary of the threat the German's possess.

Both Roberto Firmino and Ozan Kabak were unavailable for the loss to Fulham due to minor knocks, and it's unclear whether they will be fully fit or not.

Add that to the injuries of: Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson, and Joe Gomez, and you see Liverpool's problem.

Klopp described Kabak's injury as only a "little problem" so he may well be fit enough to start at centre-back.

Against Fulham, both Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips started, but in such an important match, it's unlikely Klopp risks the two young, unproven defenders, so he may opt for Fabinho to partner Kabak.

Trent Alexander-Arnold started on the bench against Fulham, but he'll return, with Andrew Robertson on the other flank.

With Fabinho at centre-back, a midfield three of Thiago Alcantara, Georginio Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones may well return.

Firmino's knock saw both Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri start at the weekend, but with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah the most likely pairing out wide, it leaves one space through the middle.

Jota looked dangerous and clinical before his injury, and now he's fully fit, he could well start.

As for Leipzig, they sit second in the Bundesliga, and will need to score early in this game to have any chance of progressing.

Angelino is a doubt for the game after sitting out their 3-0 win over Freiburg on Saturday, but Nagelsmann is hopeful he'll be fully fit.

Tyler Adams has played at right wing-back recently so expect to see him remain there, with a back three of Dayot Upamecano, Nordi Mukiele and Lukas Klostermann.

Marcel Sabitzer and Kevin Kampl have an excellent partnership in midfield, and a front three of Dani Olmo, Christopher Nkunku and Yusuf Poulsen could well trouble the Liverpool backline.

How Liverpool and RB Leipzig could line up

Liverpool vs Leipzig - Football tactics and formations

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