We've talked about this before - but we need to have a heavy mix of "fringe" players play this game with an eye towards Yernited next Saturday.
Let's win the next game first, and it's this one. There is something special about a European match under the lights at Anfield, completely unrivaled.
Do not think this is over before the KO. Porto will not come to lie down and let us tickle their tummy.
--------------Karius------------------ Gomez----Matip--VvD-----Moreno Gini--------Henderson----Lallana Mane--------Ings--------Solanke Migs, AA, Woodburn, Salah, Firmino, Ox, Lovren (Milner). No Can because he is on a yellow in Europe. If Gini is still suffering the after effects of his illness then he should be on the bench and someone else starts. Gives us a decent mix of subs-type players without massively weakening the team.
Clyne is supposedly ready to make an appearance, isn't he? He played for the U23s last week. I'd expect to see him in this game.
I'd expect to see Lallana get a good run out. He needs it. It takes a few games for him to get in gear. And for someone to point out where the goal is. I don't expect Klopp will want to sit back. It's not his style and frankly I get nervous when the oppo get in the last third of the pitch.
Henderson won't play. He'll be needed for the uNited game. Milner might play midfield with Gini and Ox i'd go Gini Milner Ox lallana Ings Firmino
Klopp has promised his top XI and why not? Let's beat Porto tomorrow then beat United Sunday. Plenty of time to rest and recharge. It's not like we have to travel to Portugal.
Strong spine, but changes around the edges. 4-4-2 Diamond for a change Karius Gomez, Matip, VVD, Moreno Can Gini, Lallana Bobby Solanke, Mane
Didn't he miss the last match because of yellows, so he should be able to get 2 more, but they also don't carry into the semis so he should be good. He's on 9 in the league so 1 more is a 2 game league suspension.
I think you are correct that he missed the last match. So based on that I expect him to start tomorrow.
I expect a lot of changes. Klopp said a strong team, and we can make 10 changes and still field a strong team. Matip, Gomez, Milner, Moreno, Lallana, and Gini (if recovered) are all important squad members who need a game.
I suspect they'll all start, but I doubt we'll see 10 changes. I've gone back and forth on how to approach this, and I think the best way is to start the game strong. We need to kill any hope they may have in the first 30 - 45mins. Make sure we aren't doing a madness and conceding 2 in the first 10 minutes. Score a goal or 2 in the first half. If we can do that, the second half is likely to become a procession and we can get people off early. While we are improving our game management, we are still an inexperienced side that needs to continue to work on it. This is a great opportunity for us to do that.