FIFA 21 Prediction: Liverpool beats Ajax 1-2 in UCL Opener

Liverpool play Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.

We played out the first game of the new European campaign on FIFA 21 to see what would happen. Luckily for us, it predicted a 2-1 win for Liverpool.

We see Jurgen Klopp’s men who are arguably the best pressing team in the world, taking on Ajax in the Champions League. A game where Gegenenpress meets Total Football. I tried to predict Liverpool’s tactics, line-up and result.

One thing we know for certain is that Klopp will tell the boys, “Do it for Virgil!”

STARTING LINE-UP

Liverpool will be without Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara after two rash tackles against Everton have them sidelined. Alisson Becker continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

Given the forced absentees, I do not see Klopp changing his tactics or going with a surprise starting line-up. There was a lot of chatter about 4-2-3-1 and playing with a double pivot for extra defensive cover. If you ask me, I do not think Klopp will do that.

My Predicted Liverpool Starting XI v Ajax: Adrian; Trent, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Salah.

FORMATION

We will see Klopp stick to his 4-3-3 formation. With key players missing I do not think he will make a lot of changes to the style of play. The players will stick to the positions they know best.

We will see Adrian in goal. He did not make any glaring errors in the Merseyside Derby though many will argue that he should have saved the first goal against Everton.

He will have Joel Matip and Joe Gomez play in the center back positions. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold will be lining up in the fullback positions.

The midfield three will consist of Georgino Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Fabhino will assume the role of the deep holding midfielder who will play the single pivot. Henderson and Wijnaldum will play on either side of the midfield three.

The front three pick themselves with Sadio Mane on the left, Mohamed Salah on the right and Roberto Firmino in the middle.

HOW DID THE GAME PAN OUT?

So, my idea was to play the game in the virtual world and predict how the game would pan out for Liverpool in their UEFA Champions League opener. I would love for it to turn out the way it did for me on FIFA 21. But I am sure real life will be a little different.

LIVERPOOL TOOK CONTROL IN THE FIRST HALF 

Liverpool took time to break out of their shell, but then settled. Everyone expected them to come flying out of the blocks. Liverpool did have more shots on target but did not do much when they had the ball in attacking positions. Salah did end up hitting the crossbar after Onana deflected the ball which was destined to fly into the top corner.

LIVERPOOL WRAPPED IT UP IN THE SECOND HALF

Klopp’s half time speech triggered a good response from Liverpool. Liverpool’s number nine, Fimrino pulled one back. If this does happen, it shall please a lot of Liverpool fans. He has been quiet so far and lot of fans have asked for him to be benched.

The second half of my virtual game saw Milner and Keita replace Henderson and Wijnaldum to add to an attacking impetus and close the game. The change was precautionary to ensure that Henderson gets some rest given that he just returned from injury.

Salah scored Liverpool’s second and gave Liverpool the lead. Many questioned whether he can score with his right foot. In this virtual prediction, he managed to score one using this right leg.

Ajax managed to get on the scoresheet and pull one back. But that was more of a consolation goal rather than anything.

Stats wise the game for my FIFA 21 prediction ended like this. Liverpool ended up with more shots but where not as clinical as Ajax were in front of goal of. In the passing department and possession, Liverpool did much better than Ajax.

PLAYER RATINGS

The predicted ratings of the Liverpool players were quite average. They should have played better. But as expected the confidence was not as high as it should have been. Even in my virtual game it was evident that they missed Thiago, Van Dijk and Alisson.

MAN OF THE MATCH

In my virtual world, Salah had a good game for Liverpool. He and Firmino both were the highest rated players. I chose Salah over Firmino because I believe the Egyptian will be a little more clinical in real life and could end up stealing the show.

IN CONCLUSION

Overall, if reality follows the steps on my virtual prediction, then we can be sure that Liverpool will be just alright without Van Dijk. A winning start in this season’s UEFA Champions League will certainly be something that Liverpool need to lighten the mood in the dressing room.

Now, only time will tell how close reel like and real life are!