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#3 Virgil Van Dijk suspended: Liverpool's defensive doldrum
The biggest issue for the Reds heading into the game against Bayern is their defensive line. Their pivot Virgil Van Dijk is suspended for the fixture. Joe Gomez who had shown promise in the games against PSG and Napoli is out injured due to a broken ankle. Dejan Lovren was not involved in the game preparation due to a hamstring injury according to Jurgen Klopp.
This leaves the Reds with only one natural centre-back, Joel Matip. Matip has to be supported by either of James Milner or Fabinho both of whom 'can' play at the centre back spot but are not best suited or extravagant as such. The Bavarian will be strictly aware of the fact that Liverpool are not playing their usual centre back pair and this can be used to lethal advantage.
Robert Lewandowski certainly has a better aerial ability than Fabinho and Milner, at least due to his huge build. The anticipation and inexperience of playing at centre back also come into play. Kingsley Coman is also fit to play at the Anfield. Liverpool's defence will be in for one hell of a night.
