21 February 2023 , 08:00
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Jurgen Klopp is expected to keep his tinkering to a minimum as Liverpool host Real Madrid in the first of two Champions League last-16 legs on Tuesday night.
The Reds have endured a dismal season, judging by the lofty standards they set during their quadruple challenge last time out, but have shown signs of turning a corner over their last two matches. They have reignited hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League by defeating Everton 2-0 and Newcastle via the same scoreline, giving them cause for encouragement as they take on Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have also won their last two top-flight fixtures but sit eight points behind Barcelona as their hopes of defending their La Liga crown fade. Liverpool and Real Madrid know the success of their seasons may be judged on how far they go in Europe, giving the first leg at Anfield extra bite.
Rather than tamper too much with his winning team, Klopp could opt to name a near-unchanged line-up as the Spanish giants - who defeated them in last season's Champions League final - visit Merseyside. This would mean Cody Gakpo keeps his place in attack ahead of Diogo Jota after scoring against Everton and Newcastle.
While it took some time for the Dutchman to find his scoring boots following his £37million January arrival from PSV Eindhoven, he is beginning to form an understanding with Mohamed Salah, who is sure to start on the right wing against Real Madrid.
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Darwin Nunez also found the back of the net against the high-flying Magpies but is a doubt to start against Los Blancos due to a shoulder injury, even though he was pictured in training on Monday. The experienced Firmino, a veteran of many European campaigns, could be given the nod up front if Nunez is not passed fit to start.
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Darwin Nunez is nursing a minor shoulder injury (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Roberto Firmino could lead the line (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)In midfield, Klopp appears to have struck a successful balance with a trio of Stefan Bajcetic, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Thiago and Arthur remain sidelined, so the engine room appears likely to be unchanged when the team news is announced on Tuesday evening.
In defence, Klopp's main decision centres on whether to keep Joe Gomez as Virgil van Dijk's centre-back partner ahead of Joel Matip. After a second successive clean sheet against Newcastle, the Englishman should keep his place, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson in the full-back roles and the ever-dependable Alisson in-between the sticks.
Liverpool predicted line-up (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Firmino, Gakpo.
Real Madrid predicted line-up (4-3-3): Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Ceballos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior.