So two changes for Liverpool: Loris Karius, who has played every Champions League game this season, replaces Simon Mignolet in goal, and Joe Gomez comes in at right back, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The team sheets are in, and they look like this:
Sevilla: Sergio Rico, Mercado, Geis, Lenglet, Escudero, Nzonzi, Banega, Pizarro, Sarabia, Ben Yedder, Nolito. Subs: Soria, Corchia, Krohn-Dehli, Correa, Jesus Navas, Muriel, Vazquez.
Liverpool: Karius, Gomez, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Coutinho, Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs: Mignolet, Milner, Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Can, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)
Hello world!
So, the Champions League comes roaring back, with Liverpool attempting to atone for a slightly irritating 2-2 home draw in which, to quote Andy Hunter’s match report, “Liverpool dominated for long periods and recovered impressively from conceding an early goal to a wily Sevilla side but, and it is a recurring theme, individual and collective defensive lapses showed the Champions League what the Premier League has long suspected – that Klopp has constructed an exhilarating attacking force on weak foundations.”
It won’t be an easy task. Seville have a 100% home record in Group E, and have won six of their last eight European home matches, last losing on – telling date coming, omen fans – 22 November 2016. Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost on their last three visits to Spain and always by the same score, 1-0.
A win would carry Liverpool into the knock-out stages. They have conceded considerably fewer goals than Sevilla – three to the Spaniards’ eight – and scored considerably more – 13 to their eight – but for all that have but a single point more going into the game. With a fair wind behind it it should all be tremendous fun. Welcome! Let’s share these happy times together.
Sevilla Fútbol Club
