Liverpool takes on Leicester in the Carabao Cup later today. Here, three of our writers select the starting XIs we would like Jürgen Klopp to choose at Anfield.
Liverpool are expected to make more squad changes than ever before in the first half of this season. With Jürgen Klopp having a huge squad to choose from, there is no reason to think that massive personnel swaps will halt progress in all competitions.
As well as having plenty of top players to choose from, with even a second-tier team looking extremely strong at the moment, Liverpool are also participating in the Europa League. Defeating LASK after 11 team changes, Klopp will experience the same thing against Leicester City, Union SG and Toulouse.
For later today’s Carabao Cup tie with the Foxes, Trent Alexander-Arnold is not expected to take part despite looking “excellent” in training on Tuesday, according to Pep Lijnders. Pep Lijnders, while Thiago is the only player currently on the treatment table. .
11 more changes please! Lijnders basically asserted that this match will create opportunities for some players but Liverpool will still be quite strong. Caoimhín Kelleher will be in goal and the back four could easily contain Ibrahima Konaté to get him back into rhythm before facing Spurs this weekend, just like Joël Matip did against Michail Antonio.
In midfield, there is more room for Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endō and Harvey Elliott. This trio performed quite well against LASK and no higher ranked player will be at risk. Up top, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota need minutes and Ben Doak could add electric pace from the right.
My starting lineup:
Kelleher; Bajcetic, Konaté, Quansah, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endō, Elliott; Doak, Gakpo, Jota
Predicted scoreline: 3-0 to Liverpool.
One thing to note:
How does Stefan Bajčetić perform in the hybrid role (if he plays it). He certainly has the tools and it is something Liverpool should continue to experiment with as they gain match fitness and accuracy.
James Findlat – Lots of changes
Liverpool really don’t need to risk one of their number one stars tonight. While it would be nice to have some silverware in the bag at the start of the season, the Carabao Cup has to be low on the agenda this season. So for me these are radical changes. None of the players from the match against West Ham are here.
Caoimhín Kelleher replaced Alisson again, while Stefan Bajčetić got another chance at right-back. Jarell Quansah has another chance to impress in the heart of defence, while Kostas Tsimikas can celebrate his new contract by replacing Andy Robertson.
It’s the same midfield three that started against LASK last week, although it is tempting to throw Bobby Clark in there. Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo add some experience in the front three, while Ben Doak gets another chance to show us what he can do.
My starting XI: Kelleher; Bajčetić, Konaté, Quansah, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endō, Elliott; Doak, Gakpo, Jota
Predicted scoreline: 2-1 to Liverpool.
