Why Roberto Firmino and Fabinho have big roles to play for Liverpool v Bayern Munich

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  • Liverpool welcome Bayern Munich to Anfield for their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night.

    Both teams boast a fine record in the tournament, winning 10 titles between them, while the Premier League leaders were finalists last year.

    Here, we preview Jurgen Klopp’s side of the tactical battle against Niko Kovac ahead of this encounter.

    Check out Bayern’s key tactics here.

    FABINHO FILLS IN AT CENTRE-BACK

    With Virgil van Dijk suspended and Joe Gomez still injured, Fabinho will likely partner Joel Matip in central defence. Dejan Lovren will face a late assessment but even if the Croat is fit, Fabinho’s distribution makes him a better option in Van Dijk’s absence. The Dutchman is crucial to Liverpool’s build-up play and Fabinho has replicated that influence in midfield of late.

    He receives the ball well under pressure while retaining the composure and vision to launch attacks from deep. The Brazilian impressed in the role previously during games against Wolves and Brighton this season and made the most passes in the former, with the Reds missing Van Dijk then as well.

    FIRMINO DROPPING OFF

    Roberto Firmino is crucial to the way Liverpool operate in the final third. His intelligent movement creates space for his team-mates as he drops off, dragging defenders with him. Expect him to also press Bayern’s deep-lying playmaker Thiago Alcantara off the ball. Mohamed Salah is the major benefactor of Firmino’s movement as he is presented with the inside right channel to attack.

    Either Mats Hummels is drawn out by Firmino, leaving space for Salah to run in behind, or the Egyptian is allowed an enticing one-on-one with the centre-back, who for all his great attributes, can struggle against a pacey forward with a low centre of gravity. If David Alaba tracks Salah inside, then that could afford the attacking Trent Alexander-Arnold to exploit the right flank.

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