OPINION
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team face their toughest test of the season on Tuesday when they host French champions Paris Saint-Germian in the Champions League.
The two teams find themselves in a heavyweight clash in their maiden group stage game of the new campaign, and both sides will find their defences seriously tested.
To that end, Klopp must finally hand £43.7million man Fabinho his Reds debut in a surprise switch. PSG may seem like a big game to throw the Brazilian into, but the former Monaco man is familiar with Thomas Tuchel’s side and possesses excellent defensive attributes.
Naby Keita has been terrific since joining from RB Leipzig, but the 6’1″ [Transfermarkt] giant midfielder is better suited to stopping PSG’s multitude of talented attackers than the more marauding 23-year-old Guinea international, and as such he needs to be axed from the side.
The goalkeeper and the defence pretty much picks itself at this stage. Alisson made a mistake against Leicester but other than that he has started well since his mega money move from Roma. The back four have been top class and deserve to test themselves against the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edison Cavani.
Alongside Fabinho in the midfield three must be James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum. Both men have had wonderful starts to the season, with Milner finally getting the recognition he deserves. Wijnaldum, too, has performed really well so far this term, and scored the opener against Tottenham on Saturday.
Similarly to the defence, the front three is automatic at this stage. Mohamed Salah hasn’t been at his scintillating best yet this year, but a clash with the French heavyweights would be the perfect opportunity for him to catch fire. Roberto Firmino’s form has improved recently and he scored the eventual winner against Spurs at the weekend.
Sadio Mane has arguably been the Reds’ best player so far this season, and he will be chomping at the bit to take on Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and co. Alongside Salah and Firmino he will give the PSG backline the sternest examination they’ve had in some time.
Securing victory on Tuesday will be a tough task for Klopp’s charges, but this is a starting eleven that could do the job at Anfield.
