Joel Matip to partner van Dijk? – Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Barcelona

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Liverpool vs Barcelona Predictions: Liverpool Line-up

Liverpool will be hoping to extend their 19-game unbeaten streak when they head to Barcelona for their Champions League semi-finals first-leg tie on Wednesday.

The Reds thumped Huddersfield Town 5-0 on Friday in the Premier League which would have given them a lot of confidence before facing the Catalan giants.

Barcelona, on the other hand, come into the tie after clinching the La Liga title on Saturday against Levante.

Team News

Roberto Firmino missed the game against Huddersfield, due to a muscle tear he suffered in training but Jurgen Klopp feels his forward will be fit to face Barcelona.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first appearance on Friday after recovering from the ligament injury he sustained last year and is expected to be part of the travelling squad. Fabinho has also been cleared to play in the upcoming game.

Probable Liverpool XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Alisson (GK)

The Brazilian is the Reds’ first-choice keeper and should be in goal on Wednesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)

The youngster has been in decent form of late, especially when it comes to supplying assists from the wide areas. Huddersfield defenders should be wary of that.

Van Dijk2

Joel Matip (CB)

Matip has been in fantastic form alongside Virgil van Dijk and deserves to keep his place in the team.

Virgil van Dijk (CB)

Van Dijk has revolutionized Liverpool’s defence and his presence is a must if the Reds are to stop Messi and co. at the Camp Nou.

Andy Robertson (LB)

The Scotsman is Klopp’s first-choice left-back and is a certainty to start on Wednesday.

Fabinho (CDM)

Given the green signal to play after suffering a concussion at Cardiff City last week, Fabinho will start in the holding midfielder’s role.

Fabinho

Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)

Wijnaldum has been in good form of late, and his energy and tenacity in the midfield will be required against Barcelona.

Jordan Henderson (RCM)

The captain has starred since playing in an advanced midfield role. He will be expected to put in a big performance at Camp Nou.

Mohamed Salah (RW)

The Egyptian star has been in good scoring form, which may not be good signs for the Huddersfield defenders on Friday.

Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino (ST)

Expected to be fit to face Barcelona, Firmino is one of the most important players for Liverpool and his presence keeps their tick over.

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Sadio Mane (LW)

Mane has been unplayable for the majority of this campaign and would be raring to make a mark against the Spanish outfit.

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