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Liverpool team news vs Bayern Munich: Predicted line up – Virgil van Dijk replacement
VIRGIL VAN DIJK is suspended for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at Anfield on Tuesday (8pm).
Liverpool will be without star defender Virgil van Dijk for their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Bayern Munich due to suspension.
The Dutch defender is unavailable for the first leg against the Bavarian outfit, leaving the Reds short of personnel in defence.
Joe Gomez (fractured leg) and Dejan Lovren (hamstring) are both ruled out so Joel Matip is the only senior centre-back set to feature.
Fabinho is the most likely candidate to slot in alongside the Cameroon ace in central defence, although Ki-Jana Hoever was called upon during the FA Cup defeat to Wolves earlier in the season.
Fabinho’s deployment in the back four would leave an extra space in central midfield if Klopp opts for a conservative 4-3-3 line-up.
Georginio Wijnaldum is an automatic pick due to his stellar performances this season, with the Dutchman set to be joined by two of James Milner, Jordan Henderson or Naby Keita.
Milner’s versatility and energy will be useful against Bayern, who topped Group E ahead of Ajax, Benfica and AEK Athens.
However, Henderson excels on big occasions while Keita offers a more dynamic option – handing Klopp a serious selection headache.
There are no such issues in attack with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino certain to start.
Alisson is also nailed on to feature in goal while Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will start in the full-back roles.
Finally, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the rest of his Liverpool team-mates for a warm weather training camp in Marbella and undertook some light drills as he continues his rehabilitation program.
While unable to feature against Bayern Munich, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been added to the Champions League squad and Klopp is confident the England international could play in the semi-finals – if the Reds get that far.
Liverpool predicted line-up vs Bayern Munich – Champions League
(4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Milner, Keita; Salah, Mane, Firmino