The final game of the Premier League is arguably the most important game at Anfield for Liverpool this season as anything less than three crucial points could see them crash out of a place in the Champions League. With Manchester City and Arsenal close by, Jurgen Klopp’s side cannot afford to slip up in this crucial juncture but they face an already relegated Middlesbrough side that might not put on too much of resistance.
Boro are fresh from a loss to Southampton but their fate was sealed before that game and they will travel to Anfield, to try and finish the season on a high, which might not be as easy. Liverpool are expected to go for the kill, especially after the 4-0 victory over West Ham recently and here is the predicted lineup that Klopp might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds are without the services of Danny Ings and Sadio Mane who will end the season on the sidelines. Jurgen Klopp revealed that Roberto Firmino is in a good way and could play a role in this game but is expected to be only on the bench.
Expected lineup (4-3-1-2):
Defense:
Belgian international Simon Mignolet has been terrific this season for the Reds and he will hope to end the season with a clean sheet against Middlesbrough. The English duo of Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner has done pretty well in the full-back roles and are expected to keep their place ahead of this tie.
Joel Matip has been a revelation at the back for Liverpool joining at the start of the season. He is the first choice at the back for Klopp and should start this game against Boro. Dejan Lovren has been shaky at times but is expected to partner Matip at the back for Liverpool.
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Midfield:
The Reds have used Lucas Leiva recently but Emre Can has done a great job in the last two games and is expected to start as the deepest of the midfield for the Reds. He should be partnered by the ever improving Georginio Wijnaldum and the fleet-footed Adam Lallana as a part of the midfield three. This trio add balance to the entire team.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino has been the first choice striker for Klopp this season but he is just back from an injury and no expected to be risked for this game. This might see Klopp use a similar formation as he did against West Ham.
Philippe Coutinho was used in a more central role, where he was immensely effective and the Brazilian should start in a similar role on the night. Strikers Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge were on target against Hammers and are expected to lead the line just ahead of Coutinho in this game.
Here is how they would line up:
