AN unlikely berth in the Champions League final awaits the winner of the semi-final clash between Liverpool and Roma.
Genuinely surprising survivors at the final four stage of the tournament, both sides have proven their mettle this season despite failing to forge deep runs into the tournament in recent years and deserve their chance to vie for a spot in Kiev.
The Reds are the Champions League’s leading scorers this season, owing largely to the exploits of a rampant front three featuring Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah – their Egyptian talisman who was bought for a seemingly bargain fee from Roma at the start of this season.
Salah’s first clash with his former employers could be the decisive factor in the match up, with the prolific wide man’s 41-goal season having propelled his team to favouritism.
“We know how well he’s doing at the moment at Liverpool, that he’s a player who can do something different, but Roma deserve to be in the semi-final,” Roma right back Bruno Peres said about his side’s thoughts on facing their former teammate.
Eusebio di Francesco’s Roma reached the final four with a miracle win over Barcelona – netting three unanswered goals at home to knock out Lionel Messi and co.
The English club won the first of its five European titles in Rome in 1977, and got its fourth seven years later by beating Roma in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
That was the only other season in which the Italian club advanced as far as the semifinals. Liverpool last got this far in 2008.
Here is your Ultimate Guide to the pair’s Champions League semi-final clash…
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?
First Leg: 25 April at Anfield, Liverpool. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:45am AEST.
Second Leg: 3 April at Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:45am AEST.
HOW CAN YOU WATCH IT?
Watch the match live on beIN Sports 1.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool predicted XI: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah, Firmino
Injury concerns: Adam Lallana, Joel Matip and Emre Can all remain out injured, while Nathaniel Clyne is unlikely to feature as he continues to recover from a long term injury.
Roma predicted X I: Alisson, Jesus, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov, Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman, Florenzi, Dzeko, Shick
Injury concerns: Rick Karsdorp and Gregoire Defrel are both out injured.
KEY STATS
Head to head
Played 5 – Liverpool 3 wins, Roma 1 win, 1 drawn
Past Meetings
19/3/02 – Liverpool 2-0 Roma in UCL
5/12/01 – Roma 0-0 Liverpool in UCL
22/2/01 – Liverpool 0-1 Roma in UEFA Cup
15/2/01 – Roma 0-2 Liverpool in UEFA Cup
30/5/84 – Roma 1-1 Liverpool in European Cup
WHY LIVERPOOL WILL WIN
Attacking fire power.
The Reds have made their way through Europe this season via clinical finishing and outstanding quality in their front three.
Against City, their tactical game was flawless as Jurgen Klopp masterminded a massive boilover and again the German’s game plan will be key.
But it is Salah who shapes as the game changer once again, although if there’s anyone who knows how to stop him – it’s his former teammates.
WHY ROMA WILL WIN
Resolute defending and tactical awareness.
“We will have to play very well up front but at the same time remain solid at the back. We need to focus on our strength and our tactical belief. We are aware that Liverpool are plenty of quality. I will watch some of their games to prepare the game,” Di Francesco said ahead of the first leg
The Italian side will need to take their chances and do their best to keep the Reds front three at bay if they’re to get a result.
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