Liverpool head on the road again after an emotional victory against Leicester City. This time, the Reds are set to square off with Spartak Moskva in a Champions League Group Stage clash on Tuesday night. For the first time, Jurgen Klopp may unleash the foursome of Salah, Mane, Firmino, and Coutinho. This is something Liverpool supporters have been craving to see and they should finally get to see it tomorrow night. Let's break down the proposed lineup.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
Jurgen Klopp has previously indicated a goalkeeper rotation will be used this season with Loris Karius taking the field in the Champion's League matches. And there is no reason to expect him to change this rotation, so look for Karius to be the keeper.
Defense: Robertson, Lovren, Matip, Alexander-Arnold
With the suspension of Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a lock to start at right back. However, the rest of the defense could unfold a couple of ways. I would use Andy Robertson out left with Lovren and Matip in the middle. I would give Robertson the start over Moreno, mostly just to keep Moreno a rest after playing 90-minutes on Saturday. Both Robertson and Moreno have played well this season when they have been in the lineup so rotating them both to keep them fresh seems like a good option.
In the middle I would play Lovren and Matip again. Yes, they both just played Saturday and yes they both have recent injuries they have dealt with so Klopp may decide to give one a rest. However, they are the best option at center back and need more time together to build a comfortable, confident relationship in front of the goal. Barring any injury setback from Saturday, I would play them both again Tuesday night.
Midfield: Henderson, Can, Coutinho
On Saturday, Philippe Coutinho played on the wing in an attacking role, but with the return of Sadio Mane from suspension look for Coutinho to move back to the midfield. I would play him with Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, with Coutinho playing more an attacking midfield and Henderson and Can playing further back in support of the defense. In this proposed lineup, Gino Wijnaldum would be the odd man out and he has played fairly well this season. However, he has struggled at times away from Anfield which is why I would keep Henderson and Can in the starting lineup.
Attack: Mane, Firmino, Salah
The return of the attacking trio that has played so well together. Sadio Mane is back in the lineup and rejoins Salah and Firmino. And for the first time, the trio will also have Philippe Coutinho on the pitch with them. This will make the attack that much more dangerous. Mane and Salah have repeatedly terrorized opponent defenses with their blazing pace, and now adding the playmaking of Coutinho makes them even more of a threat. Coutinho has an ability to not only spot the run, but to play the perfectly weighted ball outside to Mane or Salah. Look for the duo to benefit the most from Coutinho playing in the midfield.
This would be the lineup I would use Tuesday night against Spartak Moskva. Will Jurgen Klopp use this same lineup? What changes would you make? Do you think the lineup will get the win on the road? Share your thoughts and let me know what you expect to see Tuesday.