Liverpool haven’t been able to challenge for the League Cup in recent years, but this season, the squad Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal is more than capable of lasting a few more rounds in the competition.
The Reds face a tricky test against Unai Emery’s Arsenal side, who will travel to Anfield on Wednesday for the Round of 16 tie.
Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest in the last round while Liverpool got past MK Dons with relative ease.
The Reds ran out 3-1 winners when Arsenal visited Anfield earlier in the season for a league game, but both teams are expected to rest their star players, making this contest more even.
The Gunners have won just one of their last three games while Liverpool have lost just once in all competitions this season.
Liverpool Team News
Xherdan Shaqiri and Joel Matip remain the only long term absentees. Klopp has a couple of players with niggles, but none of them are expected to miss this game.
Here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field, keeping in view Liverpool’s trip to Villa Park at the weekend.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3) vs Arsenal
Defence
After handing over the gloves to Alisson Becker, Adrian has been almost forgotten by the Reds. Caoimhín Kelleher is set to start in this one, so Adrian will have to wait for his next appearance.
Virgil van Dijk suffered a dead leg in the game against Spurs and deserves some rest while Joel Matip is absent. This will force Klopp to use Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez at the back for this clash.
Andrew Robertson could start at left-back, while lack of options could see James Milner at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold getting a rest.
Midfield
Fabinho’s yellow card situation will play on Klopp’s mind, but the German is not one to plan too far ahead.
The Brazilian should be rested for the weekend and Adam Lallana, like against MK Dons, could start in a no.6 role in the Liverpool lineup. His energy and movement could prove tricky to contain for the visitors.
Georginio Wijnaldum was afforded some rest late in the game against Spurs and could keep his place in the midfield for this game.
The Dutch ace could also play in a defensive midfield role to add more mettle to the side. Naby Keita, who had an excellent outing against Genk adds creativity to the side in the middle of the park.
Attack
Rhian Brewster was not able to impress against the Dons. But he has shown enough promise in training to retain his place in the first team. He will lead the attack for Liverpool while Divock Origi will get his chance on the left-wing.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may have to be pushed to the right flank, adding experience to the starting XI. Harvey Elliot will be an option in this role if Klopp wants to rest Wijnaldum, pushing Oxlade-Chamberlain into the midfield.
