Liverpool predicted XI vs Bordeaux: Klopp to name strong squad with Benteke preferred over Sturridge

Liverpool welcome French side Bordeaux to Anfield on Thursday night knowing that a victory will send them six points ahead of the Ligue 1 club with just one more game to go.

The Reds are currently sat in second place with six points from a possible 12, and that means that Jurgen Klopp will likely put out a strong squad in order to help seal qualification comfortably.

They will no doubt go into the game on a high following the weekend’s 4-1 victory over title chasers Manchester City, but will have to do so without a number of key first team stars.

Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Jordan Rossiter, Mamadou Sakho, Jon Flanagan and Jordan Henderson while Philippe Coutinho is a minor doubt with a hamstring injury.

And with Bordeaux currently struggling in their domestic league, Liverpool will fancy their chances of picking up a result.

See how we think they’ll line up below…

GK: Simon Mignolet

The game is far too important to ditch the Belgian now.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne

The England international has been one of the more consistent of the club’s summer arrivals, and will pose a huge threat down the right flank.

CB: Martin Skrtel

Charged with marshalling the back line and will likely prove to be the bedrock of the defence.

CB: Dejan Lovren

This will be a big opportunity for Lovren to prove himself to Klopp and a big performance will go a long way to getting the fans back on side.

LB: Alberto Moreno

The Spaniard has been inconsistent of late, but like Lovren he can get a good performance under his belt and restore some confidence.

CM: Lucas Leiva

Still undergoing a renaissance at Anfield, the Brazilian will protect the back line allowing Emre Can to act as a deep lying playmaker.

CM: Emre Can

Can will be hoping for an extended run in midfield having been flitted between there and the defence.

CAM: Adam Lallana

Another player that has shown a big improvement recently, and he will now carry a renewed goal threat.

RAM: Jordon Ibe

The young winger has been making a name for himself over the past year and has the potential to cause Bordeaux problems.

LAM: Roberto Firmino

Now that he has his first goal under his belt he will be expected to push on and repeat the feat on a regular basis.

ST: Christian Benteke

Now that both he and Daniel Sturridge are fit it will be a battle of the fittest, and at the moment Benteke is winning that particular race.