OPINION
Liverpool come into their upcoming Champions League clash with Napoli on Tuesday with one eye on qualification for the last-16 – but they must beat the Italians on home turf in order to realise that aim.
After losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the last fixture, the Reds have left it until the last match to secure their place in the draw for the next round, leaving their supporters on tenterhooks.
They will be hoping that they can take their confidence from the 4-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend into this must-win showdown, but first Jurgen Klopp must shuffle his pack in order to have the best team possible on the pitch on Tuesday.
In goal, Alisson must start as normal.
In defence, everyone who started the game against the Cherries must retain their places, with Trent Alexander-Arnold – who is on £50,000-a-week [Spotrac] – coming in at right-back in order to provide the team with his signature crosses and threatening runs.
In the midfield, James Milner must start after deputising at right-back on Saturday, while Gini Wijnaldum must be axed in favour of Fabinho, who has been impressing in the games he has started in this season – while Naby Keita should keep his spot.
Even though Xherdan Shaqiri has been in great form, the 5ft 7in [Transfermarkt] ace must get the chop in favour of Sadio Mane, who is fit for contention.
This means that Roberto Firmino should lead the attack with Mo Salah playing on the right, who is no doubt high in confidence following his blistering display on Saturday.
With these changes, Klopp has more than enough quality to heap misery on Liverpool’s opponents on Tuesday and secure their place in the last-16 of the Champions League.
