Liverpool’s season has been one of positivity so far. The Reds have started well in the Premier League – so well, in fact, that they’re counted among the favourites for the title – while the League Cup has offered similar levels of optimism.
No European football meant Jurgen Klopp’s men had to start early with a game against Burton Albion, but after passing that test they dispatched of Derby County with a routine 3-0 victory at the iPro Stadium before edging past Spurs in the last round – a game in which both teams fielded heavily-rotated starting XIs.
Now in the last eight, Leeds United – the lowest ranked team left in the competition – await, with Garry Monk’s Whites sure to be aware that, despite their good form in the Championship, they’ll be in for a tough evening on the banks of the River Mersey.
Football FanCast are predicting Klopp will go for a heavily-altered XI, changing from his habitual 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 diamond set-up, with these men set to fill the shirts.
GK – Simon Mignolet
The much-maligned Belgian has started each of the Reds’ previous League Cup clashes and he will surely be back between the sticks vs. Leeds. Loris Karius is adapting well and doesn’t need the game time, so if Mignolet doesn’t feature here, when will he get on the pitch?
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Having stood in well for Nathaniel Clyne in the home win over Spurs, Alexander-Arnold seems capable of taking on Championship opposition. The young defender offers pace and energy on his flank, but Klopp is yet to see how he will stand up defensively to a serious side – the Lilywhites played a largely reserve XI at Anfield.
CB – Lucas Leiva
With plenty of experience, Lucas remains a player appreciated on Merseyside. The Brazilian started his career as an attacking midfielder, but he’s slowly slipped back down the pitch and appears to be viewed as more of a centre-back than a holding midfield player by Klopp. Although not a giant at 5ft. 8”, the 29-year-old is excellent at reading the game and capable of playing neat passes from the back.
CB – Ragnar Klavan
The Estonian has impressed when called upon since his summer move to Anfield, but the form of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip has limited his game time in recent months. Klopp needs to keep him fresh with injuries and rotation on his mind ahead of the hectic winter schedule, and his no-nonsense style should stand up to a Leeds side that are likely to be up-and-at-’em at Anfield.
LB – Alberto Moreno
Dislodged by James Milner at left-back, the Spaniard faces a fight to force his way back into Klopp’s first-team plans. We all know of his abilities going forward, but his defensive contributions have drawn criticism ever since his 2014 move to Merseyside from Sevilla. A run-out vs. Leeds seems likely, and Moreno needs to use the opportunity to show he’s improving.
DM – Kevin Stewart
The 23-year-old has flitted in and out of the XI under Klopp since the German arrived at Anfield and it seems that his keep-it-simple approach at the base of midfield is appreciated. The Englishman is not a fancy player, but he recycles possession well and will be needed as a shield for the centre-backs in this team.
CM – Jordan Henderson
This heavily-rotated XI will need some experience and the skipper may be thrust in to steady the ship. Henderson has grown immensely as a player over the past few years and is well-versed in what his manager demands of his team. Some discipline and know-how will be required to ensure there’s no complacency, and ‘Hendo’ is the man for the job.
CM – Ovie Ejaria
Energetic and powerful, Ejaria was one of the standout performers of Klopp’s first pre-season at Liverpool and he’s since been rewarded with appearances on the bench in the Premier League and a start in the 2-1 win vs. Spurs in the last round of the League Cup. With Adam Lallana unlikely to be risked and Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can having played regularly of late, Klopp may opt to give the teenager another go – after all, he hasn’t let him down yet.
AM – Marko Grujic
Compared to Nemanja Matic and Steven Gerrard during his emergence at Red Star Belgrade, Grujic’s arrival caused quite the stir over the summer – he was back in his homeland on loan after officially signing for the Reds in January 2016 – but Kopites have had precious few glimpses of him. The 20-year-old has started two League Cup games, though, and logic suggests he will get another run out here. As a full international, he should competent enough to line up against a second tier team.
ST – Divock Origi
Fresh from his vital goal in the 2-0 beating of Sunderland on Saturday, Origi is sure to be chomping at the bit for another outing. With Roberto Firmino nursing a calf injury picked up late on against the Black Cats, Klopp is likely to be aware that he has to rest his preferred players – especially with Philippe Coutinho sidelined – making the Belgian a tempting option, especially in a game in which he should have the chance to boost his confidence with another goal or two.
ST – Daniel Sturridge/Ben Woodburn
Now here comes the big decision. Klopp played 4-4-2 in the last round with Sturridge and Origi up front and as long as the Englishman can shake off the injury that kept him out of the weekend win at home to Sunderland, he might well opt to do the same again. However, there is a chance 17-year-old striker Woodburn will be given a go, with the teenager having made it off the bench on Saturday for his senior debut – albeit he was only on the pitch for a few minutes. It would be a gamble for Klopp to give the rookie a first senior start, but he might be aware that he needs to save his senior players for a tough trip to Bournemouth on the weekend.
