Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he will make changes to his team for Liverpool’s League Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds take a break from Premier League exploits as Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs arrive for the round-of-16 clash on Tuesday night.
Liverpool have cruised through the previous two rounds against Championship opposition, but a step up in performance will be needed to overcome the White Hart Lane side, who the Reds are yet to beat under Klopp, and reach the quarter-finals.
Klopp is set to make changes, already confirming goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will start.
But the strength of his squad ensures that a strong team will be deployed, as the German continues his pursuit for a first piece of silverware.
Team News
- Klopp set to make “some changes” but retain strong lineup vs. Spurs
- Jordan Henderson suspended after booking vs. West Brom
- Key starters Joel Matip, Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino could be rested
- Simon Mignolet to start in place of Loris Karius
- Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno defensive options to come in
- Georginio Wijnaldum pushing for recall to lineup
- Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in contention for starting roles
- Lucas Leiva and Marko Grujic further midfield alternatives
- Danny Ings hopeful of involvement after impressive form for Reds U23s
- Youngsters such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin Stewart & Ovie Ejaria hoping to be included
Liverpool Lineup vs. Spurs
Klopp will use the quality of his group to name a rotated but strong lineup at Anfield, but how much he alters his selection remains to be seen.
The Liverpool boss could retain the nucleus of his consistent starters and make a handful of changes, including introducing Klavan and Moreno into defence.
Henderson’s suspension could see Emre Can take over the deep-lying midfield role, creating room for Wijnaldum to come in after two games out and reform his central partnership with Adam Lallana.
Klopp is spoilt for choice with his attacking options, but he could use the game to give Sturridge valuable minutes and the chance to find form alongside Firmino and Sadio Mane, giving Coutinho a rest.
Five changes to the team that beat West Bromwich Albion on Saturday evening would look like this:
But Klopp could make further changes and also implement a change of shape to accommodate those entering, utilising the 4-4-2 diamond.
Again bringing Klavan and Moreno into defence, Lucas could enter at the base of midfield this time for his first start since the third-round win at Derby.
And ahead of the Brazilian, Wijnaldum and Lallana can resume their usual midfield roles behind Coutinho at the tip of the diamond.
Switching to this shape will allow Sturridge and Origi to form an exciting strike partnership, handing vital minutes to the out-of-favour duo while also giving Mane and Firmino a break.
Changes to system and selection would see this Reds lineup against Spurs:
Klopp is yet to beat Pochettino’s Spurs in three attempts—with each ending in a draw—and what better time to break that duck than on Tuesday night to seal a quarter-final place.
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