Klopp springs major line-up surprise with no direct Firmino replacement vs Barcelona
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has decided not to name a recognised striker for his side’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino had been a doubt for the trip to the Nou Camp, after missing Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Friday with a muscle tear.
Who starts for Barcelona and Liverpool? Five key things to know…
- Liverpool travel to the Nou Camp on Wednesday for their Champions League semi-final first leg.
- With Roberto Firmino injured, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has opted to field no recognised striker, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah leading the line.
- There are also starts for Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum and Joe Gomes.
- Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez start for Barcelona against their former side.
- While Sergi Roberto has been picked ahead of Nelson Semedo at right-back.
And, with Firmino only fit enough for a spot on the bench, Klopp has opted against starting a recognised striker with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah named as the two attacking players.
Liverpool XI vs. Barcelona: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Wijnaldum; Keïta, Salah, Mané.#UCL #BARLIV
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) May 1, 2019
In the other big story of the starting XI, Joe Gomez starts over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, with the 21-year-old more defensive than his compatriot – something Liverpool will need to deal with Lionel Messi and co.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have handed starts to former Liverpool duo Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, with the pair joined by the mercurial Messi up front.
Barcelona XI vs. Liverpool: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Vidal; Messi, Coutinho, Suárez.#UCL #BARLIV
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) May 1, 2019
Ernesto Valverde has also opted for Sergi Roberto to start at right-back, giving the Spaniard the nod ahead of Nelson Semedo, while Arturo Vidal starts in midfield.
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Liverpool fans react to Klopp’s strange starting XI
While many Liverpool fans were expecting to see Roberto Firmino miss out on the trip to the Nou Camp, there was still some surprise to see the way with which Klopp dealt with the forward’s absence.
Where is the striker? What is this lineup? We're finished.
— fan (@SaintSalah) May 1, 2019
Depression in one photo
— Ahmed. (@_Ahmxd1) May 1, 2019
No Hendo?!!!
— . (@_gerrardlucas) May 1, 2019
Ox not on the bench, firmino and Trent not starting pic.twitter.com/bV208A1E4p
— – ?????? ??? (@offwhitebutera) May 1, 2019
Guys we are covering the danger of Jordi Alba. Salah won't cover him defensively so we need 4 man midfield to stop the threat. Trust the team. We are Lfc
— Paritlfc (@Paritlfc) May 1, 2019
Do I see a diamond ?
— dan (@AImightyDan) May 1, 2019
WHAT IS THAT MIDFIELD OH NO
— Aaron (@LFCAaron_) May 1, 2019
What is this team.
— ? (@KyleFutbol) May 1, 2019
Didn’t expect that, come on reds
— Dave (@JoeDaveGomez) May 1, 2019
Looks defensive. Hope we don't play like we did at City! Looks like Jurgens going for the 1-0 boss tha!
— Foxy96ynwa (@foxy96ynwa) May 1, 2019
That a 442 or keita on the wing?
— Karan (@kannuJK) May 1, 2019
if keita is playing LW im gonna cry
— . (@ResilliantRobbo) May 1, 2019
