Liverpool will travel to the LNER Stadium to take on League One side Lincoln City in the third round EFL Cup tie later tonight, and it could be a game where we see some of their new signings.
The Reds have strengthened their squad this summer by adding Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota, and we could potentially see all three of them in action against Michael Appleton’s side.
The hosts will be up against it as Liverpool are expected to field a strong lineup as their look to get some of the squad players up to match fitness.
Liverpool Team News
Centre-back duo Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were not part of the squad that faced Chelsea, and they will not be available for the clash tonight either. Fabinho filled in at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, but we expect both of them to be rested.
Jordan Henderson was replaced by Thiago at half time in the game against Chelsea, and he too is unlikely to be risked against Lincoln City. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian has been ruled out as well.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Lincoln City
Goalkeeper
Adrian is the second choice custodian ahead of Loris Karius, and we expect the Spaniard to get a start against Lincoln City.
Defence
Sepp van den Berg could get a chance to impress at the back alongside Billy Koumetio, who impressed in pre-season. The Frenchman did have an injury issue, and if he doesn’t pass a late fitness test, we could see Nat Phillips play in the centre-back role.
Tsimikas played in some of the pre-season games, and is ready for his debut as well. Neco Williams will hope to push Trent Alexander-Arnold for a first-team role this season, and he should get his chance at right-back in the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
Jurgen Klopp is expected to hand Curtis Jones his first start of the season, and he could line up alongside the duo of Thiago and James Milner in the midfield.
Grujic remains an option for Klopp, but considering the club are trying to sell him, it’s unlikely he will be risked as there is always the possibility that he can pick up an injury which could hamper his transfer (h/t Athletic).
Thiago impressed against Chelsea, and a game against Lincoln could another good setting to hand him some playing time and match-fitness.
Attack
Takumi Minamino was one of the most impressive attackers in pre-season for Liverpool, and he could play the Roberto Firmino role in the team. Harvey Elliot is pushing for a start, and he could feature on the right.
Divock Origi should complete the Liverpool lineup by featuring on the left. Jota could perhaps be introduced on the second half, and Xherdan Shaqiri will be an option off the bench as well.