Four changes Jurgen Klopp will be considering for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Porto

It’s a luxury Jurgen Klopp didn’t expect he’d have when the Champions League group-stage draw was made.

Pitched in with Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto, Liverpool had been pitched in what many dubbed the “Group of Death”.

However, the Reds have cruised through into the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition with two games to spare - and finished top of Group B to boot.

Atletico, the reigning La Liga champions, were swatted aside twice, Porto were thrashed 5-1 at the Estadio Dragao and AC Milan were defeated 3-2.

Still, there are a pair of fixtures to fulfil for Liverpool and Porto visit Anfield on Wednesday (20.00 GMT).

With the Reds already safely in the next stage, Klopp could to shuffle his pack from Saturday’s 4-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League.

However, the prize money on offer means the Liverpool manager might not make wholesale changes to his team.

Here are the fringe players who could be in line for a start against Porto and who might be rested.

Joe Gomez for Virgil van Dijk

Many expected Gomez would regain his spot as van Dijk's regular partner this season after both returning from long-term knee injuries.

However, it has been the opposite for the England international.

Gomez has instead found himself as fourth-choice centre-back. Joel Matip's primarily been paired alongside van Dijk while £36 million summer signing Ibrahima Konate has made three Premier League starts.

Gomez has been confined to just seven appearances this season and frustrating must be growing.

However, he started Liverpool's 3-2 victory over AC Milan in September and could be given a chance to thrust himself back into Klopp's main plans.

It was van Dijk who was surprisingly rested against Milan and he could be handed another breather.

Neco Williams for Trent Alexander-Arnold

You have to spare a thought for Williams.

He's behind who many believe is the best right-back in the world in Alexander-Arnold and is of a similar age.

To compound Williams' frustration, he was injured earlier in the season when Alexander-Arnold missed three games, James Milner instead deputised.

Still, Williams could have a chance to showcase his talents against the Portuguese giants.

The 20-year-old impressed against Preston in the Carabao Cup victory last month and starred for Wales during the international break.

Williams has made just three outings for Liverpool this season and needs a reminder from Klopp that he's a valued member of the squad.

The academy product has Champions League experience, having started two games in the competition last season.

The caveat is he'd be marking Porto talisman Luis Diaz, although it could prove a crucial learning experience for the long run.

Tyler Morton for Fabinho

The Wirral-born youngster was given one of Klopp's famous bear hugs before making his Premier League debut against Arsenal.

He received similar off Thiago when entering the fray for the final six minutes.

It was reward for Morton's progress this term, having caught the eye in Carabao Cup games against Norwich and Preston.

In the former, the 18-year-old's control on the ball and how dictated play, along with breaking down danger, caught the eye.

Morton anchored the midfield, taking up the Fabinho role he serves in so well.

Fabinho had a busy international break when jetting off to Brazil and playing two matches against Argentina and Colombia before featuring for 90 minutes in the Gunners triumph.

This is an ideal opportunity to hand the midfielder some respite, especially with Milner and Naby Keita already injured.

It would also provide Klopp with a better barometer of how close Morton is to the first team.

Takumi Minamino for Mo Salah

The celebrations after Minamino tucked home Liverpool's fourth goal against Arsenal underlined how much he's thought of at Anfield.

The Japan international’s Reds team-mates swamped him when scoring moments after coming on for just a third Premier League outing of the season.

The quality of Liverpool's forward line means it's been a frustrating period for Minamino since his arrival almost two years ago. It’s almost impossible to dislodge Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

Still, Klopp's adamant he'll get games this season and this is an ideal opportunity.

Salah's been in scintillating form this season but has yet to miss either a top-flight or Champions League game.

Given his high-octane style, he is vulnerable to picking up potential muscle niggles and a game on the sidelines would do him no harm.

It was in the Champions League that convinced Klopp to sign Minamino from Salzburg. It's a competition he can thrive in.