Liverpool face Stoke City as they seek to book their place in the League Cup final, and we take a look at how the Reds could line up for this semi-final.
Boasting a first-leg lead and with one foot in the Wembley final, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds look to complete the job at Anfield as they edge closer to a record 9th League Cup title.
On a big night on Merseyside, Liverpool will look to go one better than last year’s semi-final appearance.
But to do so, the Reds boss has some interesting but vital decisions to make with his starting XI, after the thrilling if unimpressive display in the 5-4 win over Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.
Team News
- Similar squad again for Klopp who continues wait for injury absentees
- Nathaniel Clyne a doubt after knee injury sustained at Norwich
- Jon Flanagan “ready” to deputise and could make first start since May 2014
- Dejan Lovren in line to return to the squad after making training comeback
- Steven Caulker ineligible to feature due to being cup-tied
- Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho set to continue centre-back partnership
- Klopp could name same XI that started thrilling Norwich win
- But Adam Lallana pushing for starting berth after at Carrow Road impact
- Klopp could introduce Joe Allen for fresh legs in midfield
- Attacking options limited again
- Roberto Firmino set to lead the line after goal-scoring display on Saturday
Liverpool’s XI
Klopp is limited in his ability to make changes with a depleted squad still at the German’s disposal.
With little room for manoeuvre, the Liverpool boss could name the same XI that started the Norwich goal-fest – providing Clyne recovers in time to feature – leaving himself the ability to impact from the bench with the likes of Lallana and Christian Benteke again.
Keeping the same team would see the Reds line up like this at Anfield:
But after an unimpressive showing, Klopp could alter his side in attempt for a smoother 90 minutes on Tuesday than Saturday’s at Carrow Road.
The 48-year-old could introduce Allen – who has impressed when picked recently – and Lallana, who made a huge difference after coming on in the 5-4 win, while if Clyne fails to shake off his knock, Flanagan could also enter.
Those adjustments would see the Reds line up like this come 7:45pm kick-off time on Tuesday:
The Reds are 90 minutes from a return to ‘Anfield South’ and having fallen at this hurdle last year, Klopp’s men must rise to the occasion to secure a trip to Wembley for next month’s final.
Liverpool vs. Stoke City kicks off at 7:45pm (GMT), follow This is Anfield throughout for live coverage, news and reaction.
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