Liverpool FC XI v AC Milan: Predicted lineup for Champions League game

hese two have a bit of history, don’t they? With 13 European titles between them, these two powerhouses would be continental rivals even if they’d never competed against each other. But of course they have.

The last two Champions League ties between Liverpool and AC Milan have come in finals. In 2005, Steven Gerrard’s men overturned a 3-0 half-time deficit to claw their way to a penalty shootout which saw Jerzy Dudek emerge as the unlikely hero. Two years later a Filippo Inzaghi double gave the Rossoneri their revenge.

Now they meet as unequals. Liverpool, champions in 2019, are one of the leading clubs in the competition despite a relatively thin squad. Milan by contrast are making their return to the main table of European football for the first time since the 2013/14 season.

Jurgen Klopp will expect a victory and will bank on the extraordinary goalscoring feats of Mohamed Salah who notched his 100th Premier League goal in the 3-0 win over Leeds on Sunday.

Also on the scoresheet was Sadio Mane – chasing his 20th Champions League goal which would see him become the fourth African player after Salah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba to hit that milestone – as well as Fabinho, the Brazilain who formed a commanding double act with Thiago Alcantara in midfield over the weekend.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip continue to solidify their partnership at the heart of defence proving that if all players are fit, Liverpool have a starting XI capable of beating any team in Europe.

They’ll be without teenager Harvey Elliott who suffered a horrific injury against Leeds and will be out for some time. Club captain Jordan Henderson is the obvious replacement.

Roberto Firmino’s hamstring injury means Diogo Jota should maintain his place.

Liverpool probable starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane

Wednesday: 5pm GMT, BT Sport 2

Venue: Anfield Stadium – Liverpool

Referee: Szymon Marciniak

Injured: Elliott (ankle), Firmino (hamstring), Minamino (thigh).