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Liverpool have two clear 'problem' players going into Bayern Munich clash - Steve Nicol
LIVERPOOL legend Steve Nicol admits there are two problems for his former side heading into the clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Liverpool v Bayern Munich: Champions League match preview
Liverpool welcome the German giants to Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The hosts are without star defender Virgil van Dijk, who misses the match due to a one-match suspension.
Joe Gomez remains on the sidelines and Dejan Lovren is ruled out with a hamstring problem that has kept him out since early January.
That all means Joel Matip will play in the middle of defence alongside midfielder Fabinho.
It’s clear where the problems may be for Liverpool
And Nicol says there are big question marks over both players heading into the clash.
“It’s clear where the problems may be for Liverpool,” Nicol said on ESPN FC.
“That is the fact that Fabinho, who’s not a centre-back is going to have to play there.
“And Matip, who has had a tough time at centre-back, even though he’s been playing with Van Dijk.
“That’s a huge question mark.”
Nicol’s former Liverpool team-mate Phil Thompson would like to see Jordan Henderson start the match in the gap left by Fabinho in midfield.
And he can also see Naby Keita get the nod ahead of former Bayern player Xherdan Shaqiri.
“With Fabinho playing at the back, then who is going to [play in midfield]?
“I would imagine Jordan Henderson, he’s got a lot of experience now.
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“Jordan will be in that holding role in front [of the defence].
“[Georginio] Wijnaldum, who was absolutely top class against Bournemouth, he will play.
“Then it’s the other side. Does he go with the offensive side of Shaqiri? Ex-Bayern Munich player.
“I don’t think so, I think he’ll go with probably a bit more defensive-minded player and that will be Keita.”