Liverpool play Atalanta on Wednesday night.
The game comes hot on the heels of the Reds’ success against Leicester City on Sunday evening, with the 3-0 win underlining how mentally strong this squad has become.
Liverpool are unbeaten in Europe and will secure their passage to the next round with a win over the Serie A side, and that puts them in an enviable position. Three points at Anfield will allow them to rest key players during a run of games that averages out as two a week.
As things stand, there are question marks over the fitness of a number of key players. Naby Keita limped off against Leicester after 50 minutes with a hamstring strain, the extent of which is unclear, while Xherdan Shaqiri returned from international duty with a small knock.
Jordan Henderson and Thiago are doubtful, even if their condition is improving, and Mohamed Salah has only recently returned a negative COVID-19 test.
Players have been dropping like flies and that’s lead to a high concentration of Academy players on the subs bench. Leighton Clarkson and Jake Cain have become regular benchwarmers of late, and that will extend to the Champions League as well.
Options are thin on the ground for Klopp, especially in defence. Can he test Joel Matip’s fragile body twice in quick succession, and while Fabinho’s hamstrings handle the high intensity of competitive football so soon after healing up?
All of these questions will have to be answered for Klopp’s next squad, and we will attempt to do our best to guess what the German is going to do. So scroll down and click through to read what we think the Liverpool lineup will be for the Atalanta game!
Goalkeeper – Alisson
Atalanta haven’t been at their attacking best but they still pose a threat. This is the side who took Serie A apart last season, and when they hit their strides they are a fierce opponent.
Alisson will start on Wednesday night, and will be a huge part of ensuring Liverpool leave Anfield with a win.