This is the most important game of the season, well at least it will be until the next one. It’s an absolutely must win game.
The nearest tonight’s referee, François Letexier, ever came to being the man in the middle for one of our games, was when he took charge of our under 19s in an UEFA Youth League match back in November 2017; on that occasion our lads put four past the callow youths of Sevilla.
Even though I suspect that the combined age of our team tonight might more closely resemble that of the under 19s than is usual, I doubt that the previous result will provide any guide as to the referees demeanour in our game against Midtjylland.
Since brevity is the soul of wit, I will be brief.
Expect nothing from the ref, or VAR, and you won’t be disappointed; consequently:
This game has all the makings of a potential banana skin! (well someone had to say it)
Dunno what Salah has to do in this line-up. Otherwise, it’s pretty much what I expected. Fabinho being played is annoying, but Klopp does want to win this game, so one of Matip or Fabinho has to be lined up, and in that case, I’m on board with Fab. But surely him and Mo won’t play more than an hour or so.
For the rest, it’s all squad players, or ones coming back from injury and needing playing time. Jota didn’t start the last game, so it’s logical to include him for this one. Looking forward to Williams making another start in the CL, and a first start for Clarkson, that’s not to be scuffed at.
I would not have had Salah anywhere near this, and if he’d complained I’d pointed out that spending two months out with a hamstring pull isn’t going to do much for his numbers either.
Otherwise, it’s pretty much what I expected. Fabinho being played is annoying, but Klopp does want to win this game, so one of Matip or Fabinho has to be lined up, and in that case, I’m on board with Fab. But surely him and Mo won’t play more than an hour or so.
