What is Liverpool’s possible starting lineup vs Ajax today in the Champions League?

Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be hoping to turn their fortunes around when Ajax visit Anfield for Matchday 2 of the Champions League. Still without a win, the Reds are third in Group A only thanks to goal difference after experiencing what Klopp described as “a horror show” in the opening group game against Napoli. Liverpool were walloped 4-1 in southern Italy - just one goal shy of their worst ever defeat in Europe and can count themselves lucky it didn’t end up worse than it did. That’s not to take any credit away from Luciano Spalletti’s team, who were superb and knew exactly how to capitalise on the Reds’ weak points.

Apart from thrashing Bournemouth 9-0 at home, results haven’t been going Liverpool’s way either and that has been further compounded by a chronic spate of injuries. Eight first team squad players remain in the casualty room and that’s after Thiago and Diogo Jota recently received a clean bill of health having missed the start of the season.

This week Andy Robertson joined a injury list which includes Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ibrahima Konaté, Calvin Ramsay, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Issues in defence and midfield

Joe Gomez partnered Virgil van Dijk at the back against Napoli last week but his performance left a lot to be desired. Joel Matip joined Klopp in yesterday’ pre-match presser which suggests that he will return to the back four. Liverpool’s defence has been the topic of much debate since the season started. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s failings have been highlighted in a number of the goals which Liverpool have conceded. While he’s a joy to watch going forward, TAA’s defensive deficiencies are evident - seemingly oblivious to who is behind him at the back post, reluctant to head the ball, a lackadaisical attitude even when there is danger inside the box and worse, he has been caught more than once in the opponents’ half casually ambling back when Liverpool have conceded… At the moment, Klopp has no natural alternative at right-back as new signing Calvin Ramsay is unavailable. Van Dijk too seems to have lost a yard since his injury in the Merseyside derby although it could also just be a temporary dip in form.

In midfield, Klopp hasn’t got a great deal of room to manoeuvre. Fabinho is expected to hold down the sweeper role playing in front of the back four, Thiago has only recently returned from a hamstring injury and appeared as a second half sub against Napoli. Fabio Carvalho has been nursing a knock and might not be risked in the starting XI. That leaves James Milner, who has struggled to keep up with the pace of recent games, Harvey Elliott and loanee Arthur Melo, who has played just 13 minutes for his new club.

Up front, Klopp now has all of his forwards available but will probably stick with the same three that started against Everton -  Salah, Luis Díaz and Núñez with Roberto Firmino keeping Jota company on the bench.

Possible Liverpool starting XI vs Ajax

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Elliott, Thiago; Salah, Luis Díaz, Núñez.