Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Toulouse: Three academy prospects start, 19-year-old makes full debut

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Liverpool are back in Europa League action this midweek, as Toulouse rock up at Anfield.

The Reds have started their European campaign in perfect fashion, with two wins from two. At home against the Ligue 1 side, they’ll be expected to make that three from three. Here’s the XI we expect to see Jurgen Klopp put out, in a heavily rotated side.

Defence

After Alisson Becker filled in last time out, Caoimhin Kelleher will return in goal having seemingly recovered from injury.

In-front of the Irishman looks set to be an unfamiliar back four, with a mix of youth and experience required for the Reds.

At right-back, Joe Gomez will likely come back into the side, with Joel Matip and academy graduate Jarell Quansah forming a centre-back partnership.

Following injury to Andy Robertson, left-back has been the big question mark for Liverpool. But with Kostas Tsimikas needed for Premier League duty, we reckon Klopp is poised to give 19-year-old Luke Chambers his first ever Liverpool start. Good luck, Luke!

Midfield

If the defence is a little patchwork, then Liverpool’s midfield looks set to be that way, too.

With one game left on his domestic suspension, Curtis Jones should at least provide some nous for the Reds, though.

So too will Harvey Elliott, who is reportedly virtually certain of his place in tomorrow’s team. Having sat out a little recently, Wataru Endo is likely to come in to anchor.

Attack

Although all of his famous five forwards are now fit and available, we also think Klopp will rest a couple of usual attacking starters against Toulouse.

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah have started more games than anyone this season, and we expect both to sit out on Thursday.

Instead, academy youngster Ben Doak should come in on the right, with Diogo Jota the only man to keep his place from Saturday’s win over Everton, on the left.

As Cody Gakpo is not quite ready to start, we think Darwin Nunez will lead the line for Liverpool.

Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Toulouse: Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Chambers; Endo, Elliott, Jones; Doak, Nunez, Jota