Liverpool Predicted XI vs Ajax: Jurgen Klopp’s possible starting line-up as centre-back set to return

Liverpool face Ajax in the Champions League looking to bounce back from what was a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home against Atalanta in their last European game.

Despite that defeat, the Reds still sit top of Group D but are just two points ahead of their Dutch visitors and the Serie A side.

Jurgen Klopp knows that a win similar to their 1-0 victory in Amsterdam back in October will guarantee their passage to the last-16 and end a two match winless streak following their 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

The German boss voiced his concern at this season’s schedule following the match at the Amex Stadium and, with Wolves to come this weekend, is expected to rotate his squad once again.

So which players will the Reds chief pick to try and secure qualification into the knockout phase?

Here we predict the Liverpool’s starting XI to take on Ajax at Anfield…

Goalkeeper:

A pretty obvious call between the sticks once again as Alisson gets set to make his 101st Liverpool appearance. The Brazilian has been in good form since returning from an early season injury and injects calmness into the defenders in front of him. Will be aiming to keep his third clean sheet of the competition this season (Adrian played in the reverse 1-0 win at Ajax).

Defenders:

Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing a return but won’t be ready for this one, while Virgil van Dijk is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. In better news, Joel Matip should return to the XI to play at centre-back with Rhys Williams coming in for Nat Phillips, who is not in the Champions League squad. In the full-back positions, Neco Williams and Andrew Robertson should continue on the right and left respectively.

Midfielders:

With summer signing Thiago Alcantara still missing following an injury picked up in the Merseyside derby win back in October  along with fellow absentees James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Klopp has limited options in midfield. With Joel Matip returning to the backline, Fabinho could move back into the middle alongside captain Jordan Henderson. In front of those two, Roberto Firmino could drop back and play in an attacking midfield role.

Forwards:

Sadio Mane was given a rest at Brighton on Saturday, appearing as only a second half substitute. The Senegalese star will return to the XI for this one to take his place in attack alongside fellow star teammate Mohamed Salah. The only surprise is that the dynamic duo only have a combined three goals from the four matches played so far in the competition. With Firmino going back into the 10, the in-form Diogo Jota will look to carry on his red hot streak as part of the front-three. Champions League goals have certainly not been a problem for the Portugal international who has netted four times in four matches, including a hat-trick in the win away against Atalanta.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Ajax: Alisson; N Williams, R Williams, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Firmino; Salah, Mane, Jota.