How Liverpool could line up against Ajax?

Liverpool will be looking to shake off the disappointment of a dismal away draw with Everton when they take on Ajax in their Champions League opener.

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign gets underway on Wednesday night, as they head to the Johan Cruijff Arena for the opening game of Group D.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will, however, have to make some adjustments to the team that played out a 2-2 draw with Everton last weekend.

Indeed, three players that started the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park will skip the Reds’ trip to the Netherlands.

Liverpool dressing room "devastated" and "can't sleep" due to Virgil van Dijk injury https://t.co/R2VOvuNEcE
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) October 20, 2020

Virgil van Dijk headlines the list of absentees after suffering a horror tackle from Jordan Pickford back at the weekend.

The Dutch defender will have to undergo knee surgery and is, therefore, forced to watch his teammates from the sideline for the time being.

In addition to Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are also struggling with injury setbacks, with Klopp taking no chances on their fitness.

All three of them were in the German’s starting XI against the Toffees a few days ago.

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and summer acquisition Kostas Tsimikas are also ruled out, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a long-term absentee.

On the other hand, Naby Keita will come back to the fold after returning a negative coronavirus test.

With Van Dijk and Matip out of the equation, Joe Gomez is likely to start alongside make-shift centre-back Fabinho.

With the Brazilian utility man pushed back into the backline, Keita could take the field from the first minute along with Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.

As for the front three, Klopp will have no doubts. With his all-star attacking trident fit and ready, the goal-scoring threats should come from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool’s predicted line-up, via The Independent:

Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.