Barcelona Vs Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg - Match Preview

While a big focus this season for Liverpool has been on winning the Premier League title, Jurgen Klopp's men still have unfinished business in Europe and will be desperate to banish the memories of last seasons final by going one better and lifting the cup this time around. It was Real Madrid who defeated them in the final last year and now they have to face another Spanish giant if they want to make to the last stage once more.

Barcelona are one of the most feared sides in the world, they have already secured the La Liga title this season with 3 games left to play and have yet to be defeated in Europe this season. To make it through to this stage they beat Manchester United and are looking to complete a historic treble by adding this competition and the Copa Del Rey to their trophy cabinet. Liverpool does have a decent record against them though, having knocked them out of this competition in 2007 and have never suffered defeat against Barca when they have travelled to Spain. It is certain to be a classic encounter between two sides who have each won the competition 5 times and are in great form both on undefeated runs stretching back to January.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a few injury concerns coming into the game. Roberto Firmino was left out of the previous match against Huddersfield and will be assessed ahead of the game to determine if he is fit to play, Klopp described Firmino as a machine in a previous interview and seemed confident the Brazilian would overcome the problem in time. Another concern for the German is star defender Virgil van Dijk, the central defender seemed to take a knock during the previous game. While Van Dijk continued playing until the end of the match he seemed to be feeling the effects and admitted he would be in pain on Wednesday night, he is likely to be joined by Joel Matip who was rested against Huddersfield with Robertson and Alexander Arnold either side.

The good news to come out of the last game for Liverpool was the return of Oxlade Chamberlain, the midfielder scored some crucial goals on the way to last years final before suffering a terrible injury which kept him out for over a year. He made his comeback with 20 minutes towards the end of the game against Huddersfield and while a start against Barca is unlikely he didn't look like he had missed a step and may appear once again from the bench. Daniel Sturridge filled in for Firmino last time out but didn't really do anything to help his cause for another start should Firmino miss out again, it is likely Klopp will go with a front 3 of Salah, Mane and Origi should the late fitness test not go as planned. Fabinho was also left out against Huddersfield following a head injury against Cardiff but is almost certain to start on Wednesday night, he is likely to play the defensive role in midfield while Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita who have both recently seen an upturn in form will play more advanced looking to supply the forwards with chances to score a crucial away goal or two.

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Amongst the Barca ranks are a couple of familiar faces for Liverpool fans and while Luis Suarez is still well regarded and will almost certainly receive a warm welcome when he returns to Anfield for the 2nd leg the same cannot be said for Phillipe Coutinho. While the fans will have mixed feelings they are both extremely talented players and Liverpool's defence will have their hands full on Wednesday night. As well as the two former Reds Barca have a star-studded lineup of some of the greatest players in the world including Dembele, Rakitic, Pique and of course one of the all-time greats LionelMessi. The Argentinian is having another spectacular season scoring 34 goals in the league and topping the Champions League scoring charts with 10 in 8 appearances.