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Liverpool fans on Twitter happy to hear that Gomez is set to start
Liverpool vs Barcelona at the Nou Camp tonight promises to be a classic. Both sets of fans will have been tuning into Tottenham vs Ajax last night and licking their lips. They have to get past the semi-final first, though, and according to Paul Joyce of The Times, Jurgen Klopp is set to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold for Joe Gomez at right-back.
Big call from Paul but what do you think, Reds? Gomez replaced TAA in the final minutes of our last game – will he start ahead of him against Barça? https://t.co/IJwAAriY9x
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) 1 May 2019
There are no secrets around the fact that whoever makes it to the Champions League final out of Liverpool and Barcelona will be the favourite, however, for both sides, the two games between themselves and a Madrid final will be incredibly tough. The slightest tactical tweaks from Jurgen Klopp and Ernesto Valverde could prove pivotal, and Klopp starting Gomez at right-back would certainly be a significant tweak.
Alexander-Arnold is the only official senior right-back in the Reds’ squad, so it’s tough for Klopp whenever he’s out of form, needs a rest or is unavailable. In this case, it’s about defensive stability. The importance of Barcelona’s full-backs to their attack is incredible, and if Trent gets caught out and Jordi Alba gets space in behind it could prove fatal, so with Gomez less likely to bomb forward in attack, he makes a sensible option for the Kopites to start with tonight.
You can read the Reds’ thoughts on Gomez’s supposed start here:
100% start Gomez. Trent hasn't been in best form defensively and Gomez looks sharp on his brief appearances.
— paul (@paulhigh74) May 1, 2019
Makes perfect sense. I could tell Klopp was planning him as a rb cos taa has shown defensive fragilities in wide areas so against barca who have flying full backs coutinho and messi this makes sense, he is better defensively.
— philipjfry (@philipj65712201) May 1, 2019
Makes a lot of sense, would just give us more defensive stability, need to trust Klopp to make the correct call!
— Paul Brady (@Redpaul78) May 1, 2019
Gomez needs to start ahead of TAA
— Jeff (@kofichief9) May 1, 2019
Their wingbacks love to push upfield, Gomez will sit back where as TAA would do the same, can see where the logic comes from
— Macaulay (@Macaulay_Astles) May 1, 2019
Don't think so but I can see the relevance
We don't have to go Gung-ho in an European away tie
Keep it tight, nick an away goal and then go all out at home— Ashvin Raj (@Ashvin11LFC) May 1, 2019
Alisson; Gomez, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Mane, Salah
In a 4-4-2 diamond formation, Mane leading attack.@11immanuel11
— Immanuel (@11immanuel11) May 1, 2019
The Reds are all happy with the idea of Gomez starting at right-back and will be delighted to see the versatile defender fill in for Alexander-Arnold later.
