Champions League: Liverpool’s possible starting lineup vs Ajax
We take a look at how Liverpool could start against Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Liverpool travel to the Netherlands after a shock defeat in Nottingham on Saturday. The Anfield outfit lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, a result which leaves them eighth in the Premier League, 12 points off leaders Arsenal.
Despite their mixed form in domestic competition, they only need one point from their last two Group A matches to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League. Tonight’s clash with Ajax will be only the second ever time the Reds head to the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Ajax made it three Eredivisie wins on the bounce on Saturday, with a 4-1 victory over RKC Waalwijk. The league leaders need a win against Liverpool and will head out of the Champions League if they fail to collect the three points.
Klopp pre-match
“After our start in the group stage, it was not that people thought it was likely this can happen, but it happened and now we have to try to close it for us, the group, and that’s what we’re here for.”
Schreuder pre-match
“In the end it’s about the points. We have to believe we can do it and show healthy courage and aggression. We will do everything we can to win until the end. If we have to be satisfied with a point, then that’s what we will have to do. But we want to go for the win for as long as possible.”
Ajax-Liverpool match facts
- Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 14 of their last 17 matches (Champions League).
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 9 of Ajax’s last 10 games (Champions League).
- Ajax have lost their last 3 matches (Champions League).
- Liverpool have won their last 3 matches (Champions League).
Liverpool team news
Joel Matip will miss out, while defender Ibrahima Konaté is available. Jurgen Klopp could opt for a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
Thiago Alcántara is out with a knock, meaning Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott could be the midfield three in Amsterdam.
Forwards Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota have been sidelined until after the World Cup. Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez could lead the line for the Reds in Matchday 5 on Wednesday.
Possible Liverpool XI (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott; Firmino, Núñez, Salah.