Roberto Firmino, Gini Wijnaldum Start for Liverpool in the Champions League Final

Firmino wins his race to fitness

There was a doubt that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp wouldn’t be able to start their star striker Roberto Firmino in the final, but those doubts have been laid to rest. Firmino was in doubt because of a groin muscle injury he suffered a few weeks ago, but he’s battled back from the injury to make the starting lineup against Tottenham.

Another selection choice that Jurgen Klopp faced ahead of the final was what the midfield would look like. It’s no surprise that club captain Jordan Henderson would start, as with defensive midfielder Fabinho, but that third spot in the middle was up for grabs. In huge games such like this one, Klopp has loved to use James Milner on the left hand side. But after his huge performance against Barcelona, Gini Wijnaldum gets the starting nod. Milner will most likely be used as a sub, especially if this one goes to penalties.

There was an outside chance that Naby Keita would be able to feature on the bench, but it doesn’t look that was a realistic hope, even with the extended bench at the manager’s disposal.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com