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Liverpool Fan View: 4 players with a point to prove at Maribor

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hoping to make his first Champions League start of the season at Maribor.
Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hoping to make his first Champions League start of the season at Maribor.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t made a dream start to his Liverpool career. The 24-year-old is still waiting to make his full debut in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp has only included his summer signing in the starting line-up in a 2-0 loss at Leicester City in the League Cup. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool was supposed to kick-start his career. The England star got more first-team minutes at Arsenal than Liverpool so far. The £40m signing will have a point to prove against Maribor. Oxlade-Chamberlain has more Champions League experience than a lot of his Liverpool team-mates. Sadio Mane’s hamstring problem gives Oxlade-Chamberlain the chance to cement a starting spot. The former Southampton man needs a big performance on Tuesday night.

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Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge struggled on his first Premier League start of the 2017-18 season at Newcastle United. The England international had the chance to put pressure on Roberto Firmino with a clinical performance at St James’ Park. Instead, Sturridge was wasteful in front of goal as Liverpool were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. The 28-year-old was a substitute in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla and 1-1 stalemate with Spartak Moscow. Sturridge should get the chance to fill his boots against their Slovenian opponents. Getting on score sheet could ensure Sturridge gets another Premier League chance next weekend against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Andy Robertson

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson trains in Slovenia ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Maribor
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson trains in Slovenia ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Maribor

Alberto Moreno has re-established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back. It’s something of a surprise considering he was overlooked throughout the 2016-17 season. Summer signing Andy Robertson has largely been handed a watching brief. The Scotland international has impressed when called upon. Most Liverpool supporters aren’t happy with Moreno in Klopp’s starting XI. Robertson has shown his quality going forward but Reds fans will be eager to learn whether the Scot can defend better than his rival Moreno. The trip to Slovenia gives Robertson a chance to showcase his talents with opportunities limited so far.

Loris Karius

Loris Karius is Liverpool’s Champions League goalkeeper. However, the German shot stopper is still waiting to keep his first clean sheet. Karius coudn’t do much about either of Sevilla’s goals at Anfield. However, the former Manchester City goalkeeper was at fault for Spartak Moscow’s opener in their last Champions League outing. Karius’ positioning was very poor as Fernando’s free-kick was pretty central. Liverpool will face a Maribor side that hasn’t scored in the group-stage so far. There can be no excuses on Tuesday night for Karius.