UEFA Champions League 2018/19: Liverpool vs Bayern Munich - Combined XI

Defensive midfielder: Fabinho

Fabinho is growing from strength to strength

Another major change for Liverpool would be in the midfield where Fabinho is set to come in and start only his second Champions League game of the season. We've seen him in only a bit part role so far, but Bayern Munich would be his true test of mettle.

Not to suggest the Brazilian has been any half-shabby - the £40.5 million summer signing from Monaco has in fact grown in his anchoring role, but he's yet to establish himself in Klopp's team-sheet.

Here's an opportunity to change it.

Right attacking winger: Mohamed Salah

Ain't no one stopping Salah

The Egyptian deity has whipped all the "one-season wonder" chatters back into the same dungeons it emerged from with 20 goals and eight assists in all competitions so far. However, only three of those were scored during six European nights, though that includes the winner against Napoli in the deciding leg that secured Liverpool's passage into the last 16.

He was integral to his side's fortunes last year in their run-up to the finals - the club's first in 11 years - and has often turned up for the Merseysiders on big occasions like this one.

Bayern may be a different kettle of fish for Salah having never faced them before, but you could bet your bottom on him bagging another one here too.

Central midfielder: Thiago Alcantara

Alcantara is the key to this game's midfield battle

Now in his sixth season with Bayern, Alcantara is having another good season and likely to anchor the midfield for Niko Kovac's men in the match.

He may not find the net regularly as many others around him, but the Spaniard is the chief orchestrator of Bayern's attack. His lung-bursting dribbles (at least two per game) could be hard to deal with, while impressive passing range (88.1%) can be menacing too.

Even as Bayern bemoan the lack of stellar names such as Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery, both of whom miss out on the trip to Anfield, a lot of their fortunes could lie with Alcantara and his ability to win the midfield battle.

Left attacking winger: Sadio Mane

Mane needs to up the ante

Like Salah, he too has struggled to get going in Europe, with a solitary goal and assist to show for his efforts so far.

But Mane remains an important figure in Klopp's set-up with his ability to cut inside and make beautiful passes. In fact, the Senegalese star averages close to two key passes per game, which is more than both his attacking cohorts in the team.

He would be the key to unlock Bayern's defence.