Liverpool predicted lineup vs Sparta Prague - Europa League
- Liverpool hold a 5-1 advantage heading into the second leg of their round of 16 tie
- Jurgen Klopp set to use club's academy stars on Thursday night
- Reds are still without a whole host of first team players through injury
An emphatic performance in Prague means Liverpool have one-and-a-half feet in the Europa League quarter-finals.
A 5-1 victory away from home was the perfect result for Jurgen Klopp, even if the Reds lost Ibrahima Konate due to injury midway through. Konate will miss Thursday's return leg at Anfield, but an imminent return is expected.
With Liverpool in such a commanding position, Klopp, who's still without a long list of first-teamers, could once again use several of the club's academy stars in Thursday's second leg.
Here's how the Reds could line up against Sparta Prague at Anfield.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Sparta Prague (4-3-3)
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher - The Irishman has been excellent in Alisson's absence, and he was forced to make several strong early saves in the first leg.
RB: Joe Gomez - Gomez is emerging as Klopp's utility man, and he'll likely have to be used at right-back on Thursday having earned minutes at centre-back, left-back, and holding midfield this season.
CB: Jarell Quansah - The young defender is a shoo-in to retain his place in the side after producing a measured display against Man City on Sunday.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - With Konate missing out, Klopp's hands are tied and Van Dijk might have to start in midweek.
LB: Andy Robertson - The Scot has been in and out of the side since his return, with Gomez impressing at left-back. Kostas Tsimikas is also in contention.
CM: James McConnell - McConnell has impressed during Liverpool's FA Cup run, and he could get a Europa League start on Thursday night.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai - The Hungarian is returning to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring issue. This is a good chance to get another hour under Szoboszlai's belt.
CM: Bobby Clark - The dynamic Clark has shown plenty of talent in 2024 and is deserving of minutes in this competition having made recent starts in the FA Cup and Premier League.
RW: Harvey Elliott - Elliott has matured considerably this season, evolving into a key performer for Klopp's side - especially as of late. He'll share minutes with Mohamed Salah on Thursday.
ST: Cody Gakpo - Gakpo is drifting into forgotten man territory given his recent profligacy. The Dutchman hasn't stepped up amid Liverpool's injury woes, and Klopp needs a big finish to the season from him.
LW: Darwin Nunez - The chaotic Uruguayan was in fine form last Thursday, with his brace helping the Reds towards their 5-1 win. With Luis Diaz poised to earn a rest after his tireless effort on Sunday, Nunez could start down the left flank.
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