Liverpool are back in FA Cup action on Sunday evening as they take on Nottingham Forest in the quarter-final.
It’s unchartered territory for Jurgen Klopp as he takes Liverpool to this stage of the competition for the very first time.
The Reds are fresh from an excellent win over Arsenal on Wednesday. That took them to within a point of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
With an international break to come after Sunday’s game, Klopp may be tempted to go strong once again. But with some injury issues to contend with, he’s more likely to rotate where he can. Here’s how we think Liverpool will line up at The City Ground.
Defence
Klopp confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the FA Cup is now Alisson Becker‘s competition. The 29-year-old played in the last round against Norwich City. But Caoimhin Kelleher was in goal for the previous two rounds this season.
It seems that Klopp has made the decision to install his first-choice ‘keeper as the latter stages of the competition come into focus. That should mean that if Liverpool progress to the semi-final and then final, it will be Alisson, not Kelleher, between the sticks.
At right-back Liverpool have a fresh issue. Hopefully Trent Alexander-Arnold can rest up and be back fit after the international break. It’s unlikely he would have been used here anyway.
Klopp has been talking up James Milner‘s ability to fill in for Trent and it seems barring illness, he’ll start against Forest.
At centre-back Klopp is likely to do a straight swap for Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. Kostas Tsimikas hasn’t played too much recently but should reprise his role for this one.
Midfield
There should be a full midfield compliment available to Klopp at The City Ground. Fabinho won’t be risked having been called up for Brazil’s games later in the month.
That means that there’s a spot open in his favoured number 6 role. Curtis Jones has filled in there briefly in the past and we think he’ll be asked to do so again with Naby Keita helping out to his left.
Thiago could be an outside-shot for a rare domestic cup start. The Spaniard has been overlooked for his national team and it may be worth it to build up his game time before a two week break.
But we think Klopp will choose to give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain some much needed minutes instead.
Attack
In his press conference, Klopp suggested that Mohamed Salah may sit this one out having felt some pain reoccurring in his foot.
With that in mind, Takumi Minamino should come in to cover for him. The Japanese did an excellent job playing from the right in the last round against Norwich, scoring both goals.
Roberto Firmino made a goalscoring return midweek and should be fit enough to go from the start against Forest.
On the left, Sadio Mane has played a lot recently. The forward, who Klopp has previously described as being ‘incredible’, should be given a break to allow Luis Diaz the chance to shine in the FA Cup.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Norwich: Alisson; Milner, Konate, Gomez, Tsimikas; Jones; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita; Minamino, Firmino, Diaz
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