How are Liverpool shaping up for the second leg?
Before the match this Tuesday at Anfield between Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona, we analyse what shape Jürgen Klopp's team find themselves in ahead of the game. It's a duel in which Ernesto Valverde's team will defend a 3-0 advantage from the first leg at the Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi.
A win before receiving Barça
Liverpool earned a decisive victory over Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday evening. The Reds twice went ahead twice through Van Dijk and Salah, but the Magpies equalised on both occasions.
At 2-2, Origi rose highest to connect with Shaqiri's free-kick on 86, a header which won all three points for his team, and took Liverpool back to the top of the table, provisionally, with 94 points. Manchester City will play their next game against Leicester City on Monday, with Pep Guardiola's side two points behind the Reds but having played a game less.
Salah is out for Anfield game
Klopp made a few changes with respect to the starting XI at the Camp Nou: Henderson for Keita, Sturridge for Milner, Alexander-Arnold for Joe Gomez and Lovren for Matip. However, Mohamed Salah is the big absentee for Tuesday's encounter after leaving the pitch on a stretcher because of a strong blow to the head from Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Keita, out for the rest of the season. Firmino not available against Barça
Naby Keita, who had to be substituted in the 24th minute of the first leg against Barça, will not play the rest of the season due to an injury which will keep him out for between two and four months. The midfielder joins Lallana on the long-term injury list, whilst Roberto Firmino won't be available for selection on Tuesday because of muscle problems. The latter was confirmed by Liverpool in a statement issued after the Newcastle game.
Anfield, an insurance policy
Liverpool are strong at home as the statistics show, not only in the Premier League, but also in the Champions League. The Reds have won 4-0 there twice this year in the Premier League (Newcastle United and West Ham United), and once in the Champions League (Red Star). In addition, Klopp's men beat Huddersfield Town and Watford 5-0, and managed a 5-1 victory against Arsenal. A repeat of any of these results would mean that Barça wouldn't qualify for the Champions League final.
