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Liverpool expected XI v Paris Saint-Germain

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OPINION

Football fans across Europe are preparing for a clash between two of the most fearsome frontlines in the world when Liverpool host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.

However, Jurgen Klopp faces the possibility of being without one of the chief members of his attacking trio after Roberto Firmino was forced off with an eye injury against Tottenham on Saturday.

The German said on Monday that he didn’t know if the Brazilian would be available for the clash at Anfield, meaning that the smart money is on deputy Daniel Sturridge taking his place against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The Englishman, on a reported £120,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], scored on the opening day against West Ham but has had to be patient for his first team chance. He’ll look to take advantage of Firmino’s absence against the French heavyweights, who will be a big loss for the Reds after his impressive displays this season.

The other notable absentee could well be midfielder Naby Kieta. The 28-cap Guinea international has been outstanding since joining from RB Leipzig, but you get the feeling Klopp will lean on the leadership and experience of captain Jordan Henderson for such a big game.

His partners in midfield will likely be Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner. The pair have been the unsung heroes of Liverpool’s 100% start to the Premier League season and simply cannot be left out on current form.

Alisson will continue in goal and should expect a busy night up against the talented trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edison Cavani. The former Roma man will surely be tested more than ever before in a Reds shirt, and he’ll have the chance to prove he was worth the massive fee Liverpool spent on him this summer.

The back four picks itself at this point. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have solidified the full back spots ahead of Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno, while Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have emerged as one of the finest centre back partnerships in England. They’ll receive the sternest of examinations on Tuesday night.

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