No shocks but some scope for rotation
Paul Gorst: The semi-finals are calling Liverpool and this might be Jurgen Klopp’s trickiest team selection of a jam-packed month.
The 3-1 win in Lisbon last week affords them a plump cushion to fall back on but with Villarreal awaiting them in the last four, is there a temptation to go stronger than perhaps first imagined?
In fairness, whatever XI Klopp picks from a squad he admits is he strongest ever at Anfield, they should have too much for Benfica tonight. I don’t think we’ll see any huge shocks but there is a great scope for rotation.
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Alisson Becker stays in goal but I’m going to give Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson watching briefs. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas come in with Ibrahima Konate filling in for Joel Matip.
In midfield, Fabinho can keep his place alongside Naby Keita and James Milner with the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in reserve as part of the five potential subs.
I’m giving Mo Salah a rest too, so it’s Sadio Mane off the right, Luis Diaz on the left and Roberto Firmino leading the line. An early goal kills it, surely. Then Klopp can use the full range of the subs.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Keita; Mane, Firmino, Diaz.
Jones returns in midfield for crucial clash
Ian Doyle: If the Champions League knockout stages have proven anything this season, it's that winning the first leg isn't always conducive to easy passage into the next round.
And Liverpool will have to be on their guard when they entertain Benfica in their quarter-final second leg tonight, despite being 3-1 up.
That said, rotation is most definitely in order after the energy-sapping draw at Manchester City who they play again in a few days' time at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.
In goal, though, it's Alisson Becker. Ibrahima Konate can come in for Joel Matip to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, while Kostas Tsimikas replaces Andy Robertson at left-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains at right-back.
Rejuvenation is most certainly needed in midfield. Jordan Henderson can step back into a defensive role, and Naby Keita is straight back into the engine room. And it might be time to give Curtis Jones another go.
In attack, Luis Diaz comes in on the left, Roberto Firmino down the middle and Mohamed Salah stays on the right. With five substitutions allowed, there's plenty of scope for change - and I'd imagine they'll all be utilised by Jurgen Klopp.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Keita, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
Diaz starts with Henderson in the holding role
Sean Bradbury: This is a huge game at Anfield with Liverpool's possible path to Paris for the final now set.
And as Inter Milan in the last round showed, bringing a two-goal lead back home can still produce a fair bit of tension.
So Jurgen Klopp has to go quite strong against a dangerous Benfica outfit.
That said, I would give both full-backs a breather. Joe Gomez slots in on the right with Kostas Tsimikas on the left. Ibrahima Konate partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence.
Fabinho looked leggy against Manchester City at the weekend. It will be interesting to see whether the manager feels he needs more minutes for rhythm, or a rest.
But I'll opt for the latter, with Jordan Henderson sitting deep in midfield flanked by Naby Keita and James Milner. Given Thiago Alcantara seemingly missed a training session, he can target Wembley on Saturday instead.
Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are both one booking away from a Champions League suspension, so neither start. Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah make up the attack.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Keita, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
