Liverpool stars arrive for vital Champions League clash

  • Liverpool need to avoid defeat to advance in the Champions League
  • If Spartak Moscow win, Liverpool will drop into the Europa League
  • A draw would mean Liverpool need Sevilla to drop points to finish first 

Liverpool’s players have arrived at Anfield ahead of their make-or-break Champions League encounter against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side lead Group E with nine points from five matches and are yet to be defeated in the tournament so far.

But should Spartak manage to spring a surprise at Anfield and record a victory, Liverpool will be out of the tournament due to an inferior head-to-head record.

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino pictured arriving at Anfield for Liverpool’s match

Victory will seal Liverpool’s progression as Group E winner and if they draw, Liverpool will still advance but need Maribor to take something off Sevilla to win the group.

In the programme notes for Wednesday’s encounter, Liverpool boss Klopp has urged fans to recreate the atmosphere from previous matches of note to help the team book their place in the knock-out rounds.

‘We did it in the final game of last season when we knew we had to beat Middlesbrough to qualify for the Champions League. 

Sadio Mane is expected to start for Liverpool after being rested against Brighton

Jurgen Klopp has asked fans to recreate the famed fearsome Anfield atmosphere

Sadio Mane is expected to be started against Moscow in the Champions League

‘We did it back in August against Hoffenheim when we needed to reach the actual group stages. And tonight there is another big job to do.

‘What I remember about the other two occasions is how we all came together and recognised there was opportunity there for us if we wanted. On both occasions we could see a finishing line but still had a difficult hurdle to get over. And on both occasions supporters and the team came together to create a very powerful force.

‘We need this same power tonight. We need this same attitude tonight: belief in ourselves, tempered with acknowledgement that nothing will be handed to us. The opportunity must be taken, it will not be given.’

Georginio Wijnaldum is not expected to start in defence

Georginio Wijnaldum is not expected to continue alongside Dejan Lovren in defence

Sadio Mane is expected to return to Liverpool’s starting line-up after being rested for the 5-1 win against Brighton. 

Klopp is also set to return to an orthodox back four in defence, rather than three-man backline featuring Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum which was fielded at the Amex.

 

 



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