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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle & Paul Gorst & Theo Squires

Liverpool line-ups as Thiago and Luis Diaz decisions made for Inter Milan

Strong side expected with gap to Saturday action

Paul Gorst: The good news is Liverpool have never lost in Europe at home after winning the first leg.

And the bad news? There isn’t really any on that front for the Reds right now, even if this tie is far from over.

I expect Klopp to go fairly strong this evening given that it’s a Tuesday game and he gets an extra day to rest his charges for the Saturday trip to Brighton.

I expect pretty much the same back five that beat West Ham on Saturday, but Joel Matip is back in for Ibou Konate.

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He may not have played much lately but it’s an instant return for Thiago Alcantara in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Up top, I’m going to give Luis Diaz a breather and name Diogo Jota down the middle with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah either side.

An early goal would likely settle the tie and then Klopp can make full use of those five changes.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.

Senior stars can keep anthem ringing around Anfield

Ian Doyle: The Champions. Der der der derrrrrr.

The anthem for Europe's premier knockout competition is certainly a lot more stirring and emotive than the Premier League pap.

But who will be lining up for it for Liverpool against Inter Milan in their round of 16 second leg this evening?

I'd be going strong for this one then see how the game is going before utilising the five substitutions permitted.

That means Alisson Becker in goal, Joel Matip returning alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson at right-back and left-back respectively.

*Pick your team for tonight:

Midfield, as ever, is an interesting one. I'd start with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and give the third spot to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Thiago Alcantara can come on a bit later.

Up top, Luis Diaz did really well off the bench at the San Siro and that might be the best role for him.

So it's Diogo Jota down the centre, with Sadio Mane left and Mohamed Salah on the right.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van DIjk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Jota, Mane.

No need to risk Thiago or Firmino from start

Theo Squires: It appears Jurgen Klopp has a fully fit squad to choose from and the timing couldn’t be better as Liverpool take on Inter Milan, looking to maintain their unprecedented quadruple quest.

But with the Reds allowed to make the most of five substitutions in the Champions League, there’s no need to risk the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Roberto Firmino from start.

Joel Matip returns from illness to partner Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool’s Champions League-winning back five is reunited.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita start either side of Fabinho having made a game-changing difference at the Serie A champions last month when emerging from the bench.

And in attack, Diogo Jota starts through the middle with Sadio Mane restored to his favoured left-wing role. Luis Diaz can be utilised as an impact substitute if needed.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Jota, Mane.

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