As a manager, knowing that you have qualified for the next round of the Champions League round of 16 already with a game to spare is usually blissful. You then have the freedom to give minutes to your fringe players and either get reminded of how good they are, or why you should sell them.
That is the case of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp who takes his players on a trip to Denmark on Wednesday night to face Midtjylland. Another major reason Klopp will be looking to select a much Weaker side is since the club has been thrown into an injury crisis all season.
Liverpool have already made the Group D top spot their own and won’t lose the position regardless of the outcome of the final group stage games.
Also, Liverpool will be traveling to Fulham next Sunday as a preparation for the all-important battle against Tottenham the following Wednesday. Given how the meetings between Jurgen Klopp and Mourinho are always intense and fierce, Klopp would not want to risk anything going into the match.
Here’s how we think Klopp will line up his players for the European clash tonight.
Goalkeeper – Caoimhin Kelleher
Defenders – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konstantin Tsimikas, Nathaniel Phillips, Joel Matip
Midfielders – Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Forwards – Diogo Jota, DivockOrigi, Takumi Minamino
Although Klopp would love for his team to come out on top with a victory, he is expected to be impressed with whatever performance his players put in. This is because most players in this lineup would be making their first starts in a while, including the youngsters from the club’s Academy.
Jota will be spearheading the attack looking to continue his fine goalscoring form of late.