Liverpool midfielder Emre Can will miss tonight’s match with FC Porto through suspension. Who will play in his stead at the base of the midfield?
In all the rotation Jurgen Klopp has implemented at Liverpool over the last few months, one midfielder has been a consistent presence in the team; Emre Can. The manager trusts his countryman more than any other Liverpool midfielder this season. Especially in the troublesome position of protecting the defense.
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Unfortunately for Liverpool, Can will miss tonight’s UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg with FC Porto. He picked up a third yellow card against Spartak Moscow in the 7-0 victory back in December. His suspension means the manager will have to reconfigure the center of his side to face the Portuguese league leaders.
So who will come into the side to replace Can? The most obvious suggestion is Jordan Henderson. The captain was rested on Sunday against Southampton. The club say he has no injury concerns but just needs a break after missing over a month with a hamstring injury. If he is fit to start then he will certainly come back into the team.
However it is unlikely that Henderson will just be handed Can’s responsibilities from the weekend. A midfield of Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to light on tackling and defensive instincts.
It seems likely that James Milner will also be added to the mix. If Klopp wants to make possession key – something they have failed to do in recent games – then he will plump for Wijnaldum with the captain and vice captain.
If the manager wants a little more energy and directness he will go for Oxlade-Chamberlain. I think this is the most likely option as the plan will be to rely on devastating counter attacks; that is what Liverpool best.
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An all English midfield of Henderson, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain should have the experience necessary to get a good result in the away leg.