Jurgen Klopp has named a much-changed side for Wednesday night’s League Cup clash with Bournemouth, with Roberto Firmino starting in attack.
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Firmino makes his first start under Klopp, with the new Liverpool manager describing him as “a very, very good player.”
The Brazilian is one of nine changes as the German looks to shuffle his pack ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Premier League, including full debuts for three of the Reds’ young stars.
Adam Bogdan takes up his position in goal, replacing first-choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Ahead of the Hungarian, Nathaniel Clyne, Kolo Toure, Dejan Lovren and Connor Randall form the defensive line, with 20-year-old academy full-back Randall eager to make a strong impression.
In midfield, Cameron Brannagan joins Randall as one of Klopp’s debutants, with the U21s captain alongside Joe Allen in midfield, allowing Lucas Leiva and Emre Can a welcome break.
James Milner misses out due to suspension, after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Supporting lone striker Divock Origi, Firmino, Jordon Ibe and Joao Carlos Teixeira complete Klopp’s four-man attacking line.
Teixeira makes his first starting appearance for the Reds, three years after joining the club as a 19-year-old from Sporting CP.
After an impressive loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion last season, the Portuguese will be hoping to secure a regular squad role under Klopp in 2015/16.
Much of the onus, however, is on Firmino, as Liverpool’s most senior attacking charge.
Meanwhile, there are places on the bench for Ryan Fulton, Martin Skrtel, Alberto Moreno, Lucas, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Jerome Sinclair.
Liverpool: Bogdan, Clyne, Toure, Lovren, Randall, Allen, Brannagan, Teixeira, Ibe, Firmino, Origi
Substitutes: Fulton, Skrtel, Moreno, Lucas, Lallana, Coutinho, Sinclair
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