Liverpool predicted line-up to face Villarreal in the Europa League
Apr 28, 2016 at 1:10 PM
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will reap the fruits of their success at Anfield a couple of weeks ago when they face Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final this week.
The Spanish side have been in good form of late and have shown that they are hard to break and with recent injuries to key players for Liverpool, this game has all the makings of a thrilling encounter. Marcelino, the coach of the Serie A outfit will hope to get a result from this game and having kept a clean sheet at the weekend, he will hope for a similar performance from his back line.
For Liverpool however, star defender Mamadou Sakho has not made the trip to Spain with his team after getting himself involved in a drug scandal recently. He might face a ban up to six months and might not play for the Reds anymore this season. Henderson, Can, Origi, and Ings are all out injured however, Klopp will be happy to welcome Christian Benteke back to the squad and might give him a place on the bench in Spain.
Here is the Liverpool’s strongest line-up that can be fielded to face Villarreal on Thursday:
Goal Keeper:
Simon Mignolet:
Though his howler at the weekend cost Liverpool a point, Mignolet will hope to get back to form this week with a good performance in Spain.
Defense:
Nathaniel Clyne:
One of the first names on the sheet for Liverpool nowadays, Clyne will take his place on the right side of the defense after being rested for the weekend’s game.
Kolo Toure:
The Sakho-scandal will see the Ivorian take his place in the starting XI and will have a huge job in hands to curb the free-flowing Villarreal attack in the final third.
Dejan Lovren:
Showing signs of consistency in recent times, Lovren will love to put in a strong performance and make a case for his place in Klopp’s Liverpool next season.
Alberto Moreno:
The Spaniard was superb at the weekend against the Toon’s and will hope to put in a similar performance going back to his homeland.
Mid-field:
Joe Allen:
Injuries to key players and his recent form will give Joe Allen a rare start in the midfield for Liverpool in Europe this week.
James Milner:
The skipper of the side for the tie, Milner was relentless in his last appearance against Everton and will hope to control the midfield for the Reds in Vila-real.
Phillipe Coutinho:
The little magician from Brazil was on-target against Everton and he will have to play a major for Liverpool in the final third if they are to get anything from this game.
Roberto Firmino:
The in-form attacking midfielder for Liverpool has been impressive in recent times and will have a huge role to play in Spain this week.
Adam Lallana:
In the form of his career at Liverpool, Lallana has been one of the most impressive Liverpool players in recent games and will once again take his place in the Liverpool starting line-up this week.
Attack:
Daniel Sturridge:
With the injury to Divock Origi, Klopp has no choice but to stick to Daniel Sturridge who started the game against Newcastle United. It will be interesting to see if he will fully fit for the second game in 5 days.