Memorising Champions League music will be back blasting around Anfield on Tuesday night for the first time since the last Liverpool game before lockdown.
Everyone remembers what happened that night, an Adrian performance that is not looked back on fondly.
Three mistakes in extra time after a fantastic overall display from Klopp’s team ended any hopes of back to back Champions Leagues.
A game against Danish champions FC Midtjylland awaits this time after a win away from home at Ajax got the ball rolling in the group stage for the champions of England.
Midtjylland, will be the underdogs for the game, have a big fan in Jurgen Klopp who will not be underestimating the first-time group stage qualifiers.
In his press conference the Liverpool manager said: “I know the story of the club, the things they tried.
“Very interesting project, I have to say. I saw plenty of games and some summaries, so now I am in the picture. They are good, they are really good. It’s a real challenge.”
This will be the first time Liverpool and Midtjylland have ever faced each other competitively and the Danes will be wanting to cause the upset of the season so far.
Brian Priske’s side were well and truly beaten in their first group game last week as they lost 4-0 against free-scoring Serie A side Atalanta.
After beating Ludogorets Razgrad, BSC Young Boys and SK Slavia Prague in the qualifying rounds and play-offs they will be hoping they are not just here to make up the numbers but visiting Anfield is hard for any side.
Even more so when Brazilian number one Alisson Becker is back in goal.
Alisson was back in goal on Saturday against Sheffield United giving the backline a massive boost three weeks ahead of schedule. He was also sat in front of the press asking questions for the game against Midtjylland.
When asked about how he came back so soon Alisson said: “I pray a lot.”
Pretty sure every Liverpool supporter was praying with him and will continue to pray that Van Dijk will come back as soon as possible.
Fabinho and Joe Gomez have done a suitable job so far but Joel Matip is still unavailable meaning the workload for the makeshift centre back pairing is going to be tougher than once feared with this game potentially being their third game in six days.
However, youngster Rhys Williams who has come on leaps and bounds so far this season could be trusted with the occasion after coming on against Ajax last week. It would be a well needed rest for one of Gomez or Fabinho with an inform West Ham coming up on the weekend.
Two midfielders who missed the win against Sheffield United, Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara, will not be available yet again. Naby Keita is unfortunately starting to gain a reputation for being injury prone which is frustrating as he was showing good form in the restarts and at the start of this campaign.
Thiago should be back for the game against West Ham as Liverpool are being cautious due to the tight schedule so therefore do not want to risk rushing him back.
Against Sheffield United the front three was a front four as Diogo Jota started alongside Salah, Firmino and Mane. The Portuguese headed in the winner continuing the great start to his Liverpool career.
He may get his first start as a Liverpool player in the Champions League whilst Minamino and Shaqiri will be hoping their brilliant cameo against Ajax will have them in contention for a start.
Fresh legs may be the way forward for Klopp after two consecutive hard-fought wins.
Klopp didn’t want to disclose that information though saying: “How will we approach it? Sorry, that’s private.
“You know what Midtjylland are doing, they are experienced, good footballing midfielders, physical up front, so we have to see. A clear plan, but us too which is adaptable.”
A flattering mood Klopp was in, but he will be the first one who will want Midtjylland to not showcase any of those skills on Tuesday night.
It should be the easy game of the group, but we have seen in the past that isn’t always the case (Red Star Belgrade) so no relaxing for the supporters.
As they say no rest for the wicked.
Written by Elliot Thompson
