Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool line-up vs. Real Madrid in Champions League final 2022

Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool line-up vs. Real Madrid in Champions League final 2022

It is left to Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp whether Matip or Konate partners Van Dijk, while the Liverpool boss has five forwards to pick from in the available three spots.

Jurgen Klopp has been motivated by Fabinho’s return to training but will wait until the last minute to see if Thiago Alcantara is fit to play in the Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Liverpool are aiming for a clean sweep of the cups after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title. They will face Real Madrid in a rematch of 2018 final.

The Reds are slight favourites for the match, but their chances of upsetting the 13-time champions appeared to be vanishing early this month due to many the injury concerns.

Virgil van Dijk suffered injuries in the FA Cup final, but the vital centre-back is “totally fit” to play on Saturday despite missing the final two league games of the season.

“No issues and very excited for Saturday, of course,” he said on Wednesday.

“I think getting a little knock after the FA Cup final was maybe a sign that my body needed to have a rest. I feel absolutely fine now and looking forward to, hopefully, a special evening.”

Mohamed Salah was injured in the FA Cup final as well, but he came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s final league match against Wolves on Sunday and will likely start in Paris.

Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk are set to start for the Reds against Real Madrid (GettyImages)

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho missed the FA Cup victory against Chelsea, after injuring his hamstring in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this month.

Given that fellow midfielder, Thiago is doubtful for the final, Klopp may play the Brazilian on Saturday. When he limped off the pitch just before halftime against Wolves, his chances are slim.

Reds hero Divock Origi is a doubt for the clash having picked up a muscle injury during a training session.

Gomez is unlikely to start having recovered from injury, however, Klopp is set to choose between Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate to partner Van Dijk in defence.

In midfield, Fabinho could be joined by captain Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita, assuming Thiago is not fit to start, while upfront Klopp must pick his most-fancied trio from a list of five candidates.

Salah and Sadio Mane are almost certain starters, so the final spot might be a toss-up between Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with Roberto Firmino expected to come on as a substitute.

While Diaz has been a revelation since coming in January, Klopp may choose to play him from the start after his game-changing performance off the bench in the semi-final second leg triumph against Villarreal.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Henderson, Keita, Fabinho, Salah, Mane, Diaz.

Date, kick-off time

Liverpool vs Real Madrid is scheduled for a 8 pm BST kick-off on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

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