Liverpool are looking to stay on course to win their sixth Champions League title on
Tuesday as they host Roma in the first leg of the semi-final encounter.
The Reds will have fond memories of facing the Italian side, having won their last encounter
to finish above Roma in the 2001-02 Champions League group stage.
Jurgen Klopp's side are undefeated in all competitions for seven matches, spanning back
to early March.
Meanwhile, Roma caused one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history in the
quarter-finals, coming back from a 4-1 deficit in the first leg to defeat Barcelona on away
goals.
Ahead of the blockbuster fixture, we've taken a look at some of the key battles which
could decide who leads going into next week's second leg…
- Mohamed Salah vs Aleksandar Kolarov
Salah is the clear standout player for Liverpool.
His PFA Player of the Year win on Sunday shows that.
The Egyptian international scored his 41st goal in all competitions on Saturday,
and for Roma to have any chance of stopping Liverpool, they will need Kolarov to be at
his outright best.
Kolarov has played in every minute of Roma's Champions League campaign and scored the first
goal in their comeback in the away draw at Chelsea.
However, his eagerness to attack could hamper Roma in their attempts to keep their former
player quiet.
- Edin Dzeko vs Virgil van Dijk
Dzeko has flourished in this season's Champions League, scoring six goals and assisting four
after appearing in every game so far.
His two goals at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea showed he is still in his prime, and he will
hope to show that at Anfield.
Liverpool's record signing will have to show why they paid so much for him as he aims
to keep the Bosnian quiet.
Set pieces could be key in this battle as Dzeko is known to be good in the air, so Van
Dijk will have to be alert at all times.
- Jordan Henderson vs Radja Nainggolan
Nainggolan likes to get forward and has become accustomed to a more attacking role, playing
in a two behind the striker.
With that, Henderson will have to track the Belgian international well.
The experienced Englishman will have to be wary of the strike Nainggolan possesses and
will have to watch him closely as he is known to like a shot from distance.
- Roberto Firmino vs Kostas Manolas
Firmino is Liverpool's joint top scorer in this season's competition, scoring eight
goals including in the away victory at Manchester City.
Always on the move, the Greek centre-back will have to be cautious so he can stop the
Brazilian from sneaking in behind.
Manolas will be well prepared for this challenge though, leading the defence against Barcelona
as they kept them out in their last game shows he is good enough.
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