Roberto Firmino has been brilliant for Liverpool under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. Tha Brazilian is our No.9 but he mainly plays in the False No. 9 role.
The Samba star combines with the midfielders and the wingers to wreck havoc on the opposition.
The former Hoffenheim man scored in both the Premier League fixtures against Tottenham but the dilemma is regarding his match fitness.
CL Final – Three key battles that may decide Liverpool vs Spurs – CL Final
The 27-year-old suffered a muscle injury after the game against Cardiff last month. Since then, he has not been seriously involved in competitive play and only featured for 12 minutes in the first leg of the CL semi final vs Barcelona.
Fortunately, it has been confirmed that he is fit now (LFC). The question is, should Klopp give Firmino the nod to start the Champions League final vs Spurs?
Getting back to fitness for training is one thing, playing a friendly game is another but featuring in a competitive contest and that too the most important game of the season is completely different.
Earlier in the campaign, Lingard just recovered from an injury and took part in training for Man United but in the game against us, he pulled up within minutes.
Diego Costa was considered fit for the CL final back in 2014 but he had to come off the field after just 9 minutes against Real Madrid. I do remember that Harry Kewell was not fully fit in the 2005 CL final and was substituted after just 20 odd minutes.
So, Klopp has got to be very careful with Firmino. If he is not 100%, then he should not start. In the absence of the South American, Origi has done fantastically well for us. In the Champions League semi final vs Barca, he only took two shots and both of them ended up in the goal.
Have your say – should Firmino get the nod to start vs Spurs? __________________________________________________________________________
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur Betting Tips
Three of the last seven finals have gone to extra-time. A draw after 90 minutes can be backed at 3.371 with MustardBet.
Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1 on each of their two Premier League meetings this term. They are priced at 8.582 to repeat that scoreline on Saturday.
Mohamed Salah has scored four goals in the Champions League this season. Bet on the forward with MustardBet to score any time at 2.306.
(Odds are correct at the time of publication).
