There’s no let up for Liverpool as they prepare for their third game in less than a week.
This time it’s the turn of the Carabao Cup, with Championship leaders Leicester City heading to Anfield.
The Foxes have a point to prove against Premier League opposition and are in scintillating form. But Liverpool aren’t in bad nick themselves. With a big game against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, here’s how we think the Reds will line up.
Defence
After another excellent display against West Ham United on Sunday, Alisson Becker will be given the night off on Wednesday. Just as he did against LASK last week, Caoimhin Kelleher will step in again.
In-front of the Irish ‘keeper is a little more tricky to predict. But given that Trent Alexander-Arnold is still out, we think Stefan Bajcetic may resurrect the right-back role he performed against LASK.
Jarell Quansah is almost certain to start at centre-back, but who partners him is up for grabs. Weighing everything up though, we’re backing Jurgen Klopp to bring Ibrahima Konate back in.
Left-back is an easy one, with Kostas Tsimikas set to celebrate his new contract with a second start of the season.
Midfield
With so much quality to choose from, selecting a midfield is perhaps a little bit of a headache for Klopp right now. But for our money, tomorrow’s choice should be fairly straightforward.
Wataru Endo needs the game time and a first Anfield start should hopefully be just the tonic for him. A full home debut should also be given to Ryan Gravenberch who shone from the start against LASK.
In a recreation of the midfield from that day, we think Harvey Elliott will get the nod from Jurgen. There may be a curveball in terms of Bobby Clark muscling in, but we can’t quite see it.
Attack
Just like with the midfield, picking a starting forward line is a tricky task for Klopp right now. But again, tomorrow’s line-up shouldn’t be too difficult to choose.
Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah all need not start, meaning Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo will sort the left and central positions between them.
On the right, we think the manager will give another run out to young Ben Doak. The 17-year-old, who Liverpool coach Barry Lewtas has described as being ‘special,’ [Liverpool ECHO] wasn’t at his best in the Europa League, but will relish the chance to have a run at Anfield.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Leicester City: Kelleher; Bajcetic, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Elliott, Gravenberch; Doak, Jota, Gakpo
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
