LIVERPOOL VS NORWICH CITY: PREVIEW

Liverpool host Norwich City tomorrow night in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. With the League Cup already in the bag, the Reds have the chance to reach the last eight of the other domestic Cup competition. Here’s a preview of the game.

Liverpool are coming off the back of that manic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final and will have to refocus minds quickly on the task at hand, in what will be their fourth meeting with Norwich City this season.

Norwich must be sick of the sight of Liverpool. The Canaries have lost all three matches against Klopp’s side this season, conceding three goals on each occasion. It was 3-0 at Carrow Road on opening day in the Premier League.

The second meeting was in the Carabao Cup, again at Carrow Road, and again with Liverpool running out 3-0 winners. The last meeting was barely two weeks ago, with Dean Smith’s side taking a shock lead at Anfield before the Reds went on to score three.

Norwich were impressive on the night and caused Liverpool a number of problems. They gave a really good account of themselves even if they eventually left empty handed. They will aim to recreate that performance and hope for a better outcome to provide some respite from their relegation battle.

It’s been a wretched season for the Norfolk outfit. They’re rock bottom in the league table, five points adrift of safety. They’ve lost their last three games, with Rashica’s deflected effort at Anfield the only goal they’ve managed in that run.

Liverpool meanwhile are in peak form. The Merseysiders won nine matches in a row before beating Chelsea on penalties fir the League Cup title. There’s been plenty of talk of a quadruple, and Klopp’s men will have to go on another Cup run to try and make that happen.

Shrewsbury and Cardiff were seen off at Anfield in the third and fourth round respectively, with Norwich the first top flight side Liverpool have faced in the competition so far. The Canaries themselves won away at Charlton, and then at Wolves to reach this stage.

Jürgen Klopp has won every single one of his six meetings against Norwich City, and will be aiming to make it 7/7. He’s sure to rotate his side after an incredibly intense final on Sunday. Expect Anfield to be rocking as they welcome back the recently crowned League Cup champions.

Team News

For Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara is ruled out with a tight hamstring. He picked up the issue warming up ahead of the final. It isn’t thought to be serious however, with the midfielder expected to return next week. Roberto Firmino is also out with an adductor injury.

For Norwich, Andrew Omobamidele (back), Jacob Sorensen (knee) and Adam Idah (meniscus) are all ruled out. Max Aarons, Brandon Williams and former Liverpool centre back Ozan Kabak, are all carrying varying knocks and remain doubtful for the encounter. Grant Hanley meanwhile is suspended.