Liverpool XI vs Lille: Confirmed lineup, team news, injury latest as Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa decisions make for Champions League today…

Liverpool XI vs Lille: Confirmed lineup, team news, and injury updates as decisions on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa shape the Champions League match today.

Liverpool’s lineup against Lille hinges on the choices regarding Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.

Darwin Nunez aims to spearhead Liverpool’s attack in their Champions League encounter with Lille this evening.

The Uruguayan forward made a significant impact off the bench last weekend, scoring two late goals to secure a victory against Brentford.

Liverpool has maintained an impeccable record in the Champions League thus far. On Tuesday, they have the opportunity to extend their winning streak to seven consecutive victories in this season’s tournament when they host Lille at Anfield.

Following their dramatic win over Brentford in the Premier League, the team’s morale is likely high as they seek to solidify their position at the top of the group stage. This match may also provide an opportunity for manager Arne Slot to rotate his squad ahead of a demanding schedule.

For Lille, this match is crucial. Currently positioned eighth in the league, they occupy the last qualification spot for the round of 16. The Ligue 1 side has already achieved victories over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in this season’s competition.

That win allowed Liverpool to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.

Nunez has been a regular starter in all but two of Liverpool’s Champions League matches this season and is likely to feature again, especially with Diogo Jota sidelined due to injury.

“I don’t think this is the first time he has faced such a situation,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot remarked in the pre-match press conference. “Earlier this season, he managed a similar scenario when Diogo Jota was out for five to six weeks. He has had a consistent run of games under Jurgen Klopp as well.

“He is currently in a good place after scoring two goals. Right now, we have four attackers who are fully fit and ready to start, and Darwin is among them.

“Naturally, the likelihood of Darwin getting more playing time increases if one of them is injured, particularly if it involves a number nine.”

Should Nunez be granted a starting position following his two goals against Brentford, he is likely to be accompanied in the forward line by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

While Liverpool requires only a single point to secure advancement to the round of 16, Slot may choose to limit changes in order to preserve the team’s perfect winning streak in the tournament.

However, he might consider rotating his full-backs, bringing in Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas. Additionally, Wataru Endo could serve as a central defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk, providing Ibrahima Konate with a much-needed rest following his recent injury comeback.

Liverpool XI vs Lille: Confirmed team news, lineup, injury updates for the Champions League today.

Arne Slot may reward Darwin Nunez for his impressive performance over the weekend.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez

Injured: Gomez, Jota

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Venue: Anfield