LIVERPOOL VS LEICESTER: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City tonight for a chance to progress through to the semis of the League Cup. We take a look at how Jürgen Klopp could line up his team for the encounter.

You can read our preview of the game here:

https://made4liverpool.com/2021/12/21/liverpool-vs-leicester-preview/

With the games coming thick and fast, it is expected Jürgen Klopp will rotate, with assistant Pep Ljinders hinting as much in his pre-match press conference. Andy Robertson is suspended whilst Van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago and Jones are all out with Covid. Phillips and Origi are also out injured.

This limits the manager’s options somewhat, with the nightmarish prospect of two league matches in three days coming straight after this clash. With that being said, let’s see just who will be stepping out to help see the club into the semi finals of the League Cup for the first time since 2016/17.

Caoimhin Kelleher should come in for his first appearance since the 5-0 win over Watford two months ago. He’s had to bide his time with Alisson Becker playing both Champions League deadrubber ties. Ahead of Caoimhin, Neco Williams will come into the side to give Trent a breather.

At centre back, Joe Gomez should also make his first start since the win over Preston in the last round of the competition almost two months ago. Ibou Konaté should partner him in what will be his third game of the week.

Having made just 9 appearances this season, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the 22 year old giant. Joel Matip then gets a rest whilst Quansah once again makes the bench after being named amongst the subs at Spurs. There’s a bit of a quandary at left back.

With Robbo suspended, Tsimikas will be expected to play the next three games over the space of 8 days. The Greek will have to be taken off either tonight or on Saturday for a little breather depending on how the game goes. Owen Beck will be on the bench tonight waiting for that opportunity.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson could make the bench after forcing a return to training after a cold ruled him out of the trip to Tottenham. Tyler Morton is likely to get another start here and will want to make a better fist of it than he managed on Sunday.

James Milner is likely to start alongside him again to provide leadership and captain the team. Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to come back in the team having been unused against Spurs. Naby Keita and Elijah Dixon-Bonner will provide options off the bench.

Upfront, Roberto Firmino could finally get his first start since a return from a hamstring injury. He’ll take up his usual role down the middle with Takumi Minamino lining up on the left. Diogo Jota could them take position up on the right wing.

Mané and Salah have played one too many games and must be given a break at some point. Kaide Gordon and a number of youngsters will be amongst the substitutes and hope to get some minutes off the bench with the 5 subs rule giving them a fair chance.

Predicted team:

Kelleher, Williams, Gomez, Konaté, Tsimikas, Morton, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Jota, Firmino, Minamino.

Subs: Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Matip, Beck, Henderson, Keita, Dixon-Bonner, Gordon.