Champions League, Liverpool vs Barcelona: Preview, Dream11 and more
Liverpool face Barcelona test in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semi-final battle at Anfield. The Reds trail the Spanish champions by a 0-3 deficit and face an uphill task if they need to reach their second consecutive final. Barcelona had rested their main players in La Liga over the weekend, as they go in as the favorites. Here is more.
Team news and selection
Liverpool will be without their two prolific forwards Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Salah had left the pitch on a stretcher in the Premier League clash against Newcastle. Firmino is out with a muscle injury. Their absence will hand teenage Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster a chance to feature. "He's ready. There is a big chance. It's nearly sure. It's guaranteed," said Jurgen Klopp.
View point: What did the managers say?
Liverpool boss Klopp said, "We want to celebrate the Champions League campaign, either with a proper finish or another goal. If we can do it, wonderful, and if not then fail in the most beautiful way, if you want, with a close result." Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said, "I don't think there is any danger of complacency happening. But Liverpool are a good team."
Dream11: We go in with a 4-2-3-1 formation
Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen leads the line in goal in this Dream11 side. The four-man defense sees Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordi Alba take the full-back positions. Virgil van Dijk and Gerard Pique are the central defenders. The two-man mid-field comprises of Ivan Rakitic and James Milner. Xherdan Shaqiri, Philippe Coutinho and Mane (vice-captain) form the attack behind lone striker Lionel Messi (captain).
Liverpool vs Barcelona: Key players to watch out for
Messi will play a commanding role in this fixture. He was Barca's match-winner at the Camp Nou with a brace. Luis Suarez will make a return to Anfield and there will be some emotions running. The Reds will have to stop both these superstars from making inroads. That makes Virgil van Dijk's pretty important at the back. Mane is Liverpool's main weapon.
Venue, timing, TV listing and predicted winners
The match is set to played at Anfield in Liverpool. It will start at 12:30 AM IST. The match can be watched live on the Sony Ten Network. We feel Barcelona will pip Liverpool in this tie, given Klopp's side will be without its superstars.
