I

t’s a monumental task for Liverpool at Real Madrid, so will Jurgen Klopp let go or will he stay with the current line-up?

Three goals behind in Europe, the Reds have already overcome one before. This time, however, Anfield is not there and the Bernabeu is the backdrop. After the humiliating loss to Carlo Ancelotti, Virgil van Dijk called the second leg an ‘almost impossible task’ and few would find it hard to disagree.

Klopp will ensure his side are confident they can put on another memorable European event, knowing that when the mood strikes, this team has goals in them – and are scoring three or more goals this season.
So how could the Reds face off on Wednesday night if they have nothing to lose?

Team News

Liverpool welcomed a defender into the squad but missed two key midfielders from training on Tuesday:

Joe Gomez returned to training after four games

Jordan Henderson and Stefan Bajcetic not involved in training

Luis Diaz continues the individual program

The Liverpool team against Real Madrid

Much will depend on the fitness of his midfielders, but Klopp could turn to the same XI that inflicted the 7-0 defeat on Man United in a change from the weekend. This Liverpool side have shown what they are capable of but have been consistently inconsistent in doing so. But if there’s a time to get up, it’s now.

As for the task ahead against Real, they’ve had three or more setbacks this season, but this is a team that can score goals:

Fabinho will sit next to Elliott and Henderson (if fit)

Salah, Nunez and Gakpo start their third consecutive game

Stick to the 4-3-3

Here’s how Liverpool would play:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

In 12 games against Ancelotti, Klopp has won just three times and to keep his counterpart to attention the German could try to change his form.
Liverpool have nothing to lose and everything to gain and so switching to a 4-2-3-1 – which in practice could even resemble a 4-2-4 – could be an opportunity.

Klopp has the firepower on his side and if there are any doubts about any midfielders, now might be the time to reshuffle things and give Madrid something else to think about:

Unchaged back four with Alisson sitting in back

Fabinho and Henderson pivot first choice

Keita an alternative in midfield when Henderson and Bajcetic are in doubt

With these adjustments, the Reds would line up as follows:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo; Jota. 

With this being Liverpool’s last game until 1 April due to the international break, there’s no more excuse than to give it all and leave it all behind on the pitch. As Klopp said before the famous victory against Barcelona: “Go for it and if we can do great, otherwise fail in the most beautiful way.”

Also.. 

Thiago’s latest recovery update as midfielder works with specialist trainer

Liverpool suffered a major injury ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Real Madrid.
The Reds have endured a difficult season plagued by injury problems and poor form.

Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Bournemouth saw the club drop six points from a top four finish, albeit with a game against fourth-placed Tottenham, while Jurgen Klopp’s side have long been knocked out of both domestic competitions of Cup.

Liverpool’s Champions League hopes are also on the line as the club suffered a 5-2 loss to Real in the first leg of the round of 16.

On Wednesday, Klopp’s men travel to the Santiago Bernabeu hoping to score at least three unanswered goals to level the score. Although it seems an unlikely feat, Liverpool may have received an injury bonus that could help their cause.

Liverpool gave injuries a boost

Thiago Alcantara was in a race against time to recover from Liverpool’s second leg against Real.

The Spanish midfielder suffered a hip flexor injury in training in February.
However, on Monday night Thiago posted a video of himself stretching his arms and upper body with resistance bands at the gym.

Of course, it remains uncertain whether the former Barcelona star is fit enough to return to Liverpool’s squad for the club’s Champions League fixture. Thiago has been one of many injury absentees from Liverpool this season. The Reds have seen a number of behind-the-scenes changes over the past year, with the club’s medical service coming under fire due to the frequent injuries suffered by the team.

Club doctor Jim Moxon left the Reds in August and high staff turnover created a difficult situation.