Liverpool vs Roma. UEFA Champions League Semi-Final.
AnfieldAttendance51,236.
Tuesday 24 April 2018 20:13, UK
Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool fans to "create one of the most special atmospheres in world football" at Anfield as they take on Roma in the Champions League.
Liverpool welcome the Italian side in their semi-final first-leg tie on Tuesday evening, and Klopp is hoping the environment in the stadium can help his team take a step towards the final in Kiev.
Klopp did urge fans to show respect to Roma following ugly scenes ahead of their quarter-final with Manchester City last month, but is hopeful it will not be an issue again.
"They create a few of the most special atmospheres in world football," Klopp said. "In the stadium, I don't know exactly if the atmosphere can be better than it was against Manchester City, but if it's possible let's try. These are the very special moments.
"In the stadium, do it again and better; outside the stadium, please show the respect we have to show. This is such a fantastic football club, an outstanding football family, known for fantastic atmospheres all over the world.
"If we can do what we did, creating an atmosphere in front of the stadium, let's do it - I'm a big fan of that. But, please, show the respect they deserve."
Roma will come up against a familiar face when they arrive at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah likely to start for Liverpool following his PFA Player of the Year win on Sunday evening.
Roma boss, Eusebio di Francesco, said: "We haven't prepared the match based on Salah. He's not here anymore, but I can call on the likes of [Cengiz] Under. We'll obviously focus more on their best players, but not only on Salah.
"Liverpool will have the fans on their side, but our away fans will support us. We need to play as a team more than ever. Liverpool are different to Barcelona in terms of pace and we need to play well to win."
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne is back in training but is likely to be on the bench after missing Saturday's draw against West Brom with a muscle injury, but has now recovered.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - rested at The Hawthorns - is expected to start against the Italians and Klopp will recall all his big names after making five changes at the weekend, meaning a probable return for Dejan Lovren, Andrew Robertson, Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
For Roma, Diego Perotti has could make a return after being sidelined for three weeks, although Rick Karsdorp and Gregoire Defrel are set to miss out with injury.
I think it will be a very tight game. They haven't struggled with it quite as much this season, but it still isn't as easy for Liverpool when teams sit back, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane far more dangerous when they have space to attack.
I covered Roma's first leg against Barcelona and they were unlucky to concede four goals. They know this Liverpool attack is as dangerous as Barca's so there's no reason for them to open up.
What Roma did against Barca was double up and squeezed Lionel Messi and they'll do the same against Salah, who they obviously know well, so I actually think Mane is their main threat.
Mane is the one who has the really dynamic speed in behind and with the focus of their marking being on Roberto Firmino and Salah, it should leave him the chance to execute his brilliant ability to operate on the shoulders of defenders.
Liverpool need to win this game as a draw makes Roma favourites, but I think they will get the victory, perhaps with a late goal in a performance which will require patience.
Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Mane to score first (33/1 with Sky Bet)
