Liverpool face Porto in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday night, hoping to protect a 2-0 advantage from the first meeting.
The Merseyside giants are looking to compete on two fronts between now and the end of the season as they are also involved in what is proving to be a thrilling Premier League title race.
Their win over Chelsea on Sunday kept them top of the pile ahead of rivals Manchester City, but with another key encounter coming at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp has opted to use the quality depth at his disposal.
In turn, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson all drop to the bench after playing key roles at the weekend, with Divock Origi, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum stepping in and taking their places.
It will undoubtedly be crucial that Klopp manages his squad well in the coming weeks, as he’ll not only hope to avoid any injuries, but he’ll want to ensure that his key players remain fresh for what is to come.
However, there is a fine balance between that and ensuring that they get the right result on Wednesday, as Porto will hope to get themselves back into the tie at home having had their moments at Anfield.
Based on the reaction below though, there seemed to be a mixed response to the decision to give Origi a starting berth in particular, and so it remains to be seen if the Belgian ace can justify Klopp’s decision and prove his worth when given a chance to impress.
In contrast, there was a much more positive reaction to Joe Gomez being named on the bench, as he looks to step up his comeback from injury and is seemingly knocking on the door for a return to the starting XI.
? #UCL TEAM NEWS ?
The Reds… https://t.co/Y9dacX0S4K
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 17, 2019
ORIGI MASTERCLASS INCOMING
— Inder (@inderghandial) April 17, 2019
DIVOCCKKKJ pic.twitter.com/rt6rEr25fm
— ? (@ChrisvLFC) April 17, 2019
Divock Origi hattrick incoming.
— Samuel (@VintageSalah) April 17, 2019
NO BOBBY AND HENDO??
— Alif Gema (@adznrswn) April 17, 2019
ORIGIIIIIIIIIIII pic.twitter.com/OicJA55IbO
— RF9 ?? (@PrimeFirmino) April 17, 2019
Origi???
— Natasha.Swales (@natasha_swales) April 17, 2019
FIRMINO???
— Aleksander VK (@AleksanderVK1) April 17, 2019
Where is Naby Keita? ?
— ?BL U?????? (@RBLeventi) April 17, 2019
bobby needs rest, come on Divooooooock
— Did someone say Liverpool v Porto ? (@december1515) April 17, 2019
Bobby ????
— Alan Moore (@amoore1091) April 17, 2019
Gomez bench VAMOSSSSS!!??
— Klxpp (@Klxpp_) April 17, 2019
GOMEZ ON THE BENCHHHH INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS HES BACK ??
— Donk // FUT Trader?? (@FUTDonk) April 17, 2019
Gomez on the bench! Hoping he and Shaqiri get some game time. First need LFC to score early and kill off the game. #PORLIV
— Bertie ????? ????? (@goa_niz) April 17, 2019
