Liverpool are gearing up for their League Cup clash against Fulham, with Jurgen Klopp facing some selection challenges.
After a commanding performance at Bournemouth on Sunday, Liverpool widened their lead in the Premier League standings. In a resounding 4-0 triumph, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota each netted twice, propelling the Reds to a five-point lead and extending their impressive streak to just one loss in 32 Premier League matches.
The focus now shifts to the League Cup, as Liverpool seek to secure a spot in the final. Their semi-final second leg against Fulham awaits on Wednesday, and Newsnow Liverpool look ahead of the tactical decisions Jurgen Klopp could contemplate for the upcoming match.
Trent Wait
Once again, the limited squad numbers will restrict rotation as Liverpool set their sights on Wembley. However, Klopp does have some alternatives to consider.
The goalkeeping position will see a change, with Caoimhin Kelleher stepping in as the League Cup goalkeeper, replacing Alisson Becker and Adrian. In the defensive lineup, flexibility is minimal, particularly if Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable, as anticipated.
Conor Bradley is the favoured choice for right-back, while Joe Gomez may be needed on the opposite flank due to the absence of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Owen Beck is a potential starter at left-back in the upcoming FA Cup match against Norwich City.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are expected to continue as the center-back partnership, with Jarell Quansah as their primary competitor. Nat Phillips has been training with the first team, but Joel Matip is ruled out for the entire season.
Szoboszlai Back?
Dominik Szoboszlai inches closer to a return following a hamstring issue, while Curtis Jones exits the midfield due to a muscle complaint in the recent Bournemouth match.
Alexis Mac Allister is poised to maintain his role at number six, supported by Wataru Endo participating in the Asia Cup. Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch are strong contenders for the two remaining midfield positions. Elliott, in particular, showcased his abilities on the right side during his third Premier League start this season on the South Coast.
Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain sidelined. Among the Academy prospects, Bobby Clark secured additional minutes in the late stages of the Bournemouth game. James McConnell and Trey Nyoni have recently been on the bench.
Diaz Poser
In the absence of both Mohamed Salah and teenager Ben Doak, the ongoing discussion revolves around the right-wing lineup. Luis Diaz initiated in that position against Bournemouth, but Jota took on the role during the second half.
During the same game, Jota, Nunez, and substitute Cody Gakpo each took turns on the left wing. Notably, Jota and Nunez alternated in the central attack, highlighting the flexibility at Klopp’s disposal.
Although Elliott can contribute on the right flank, his presence in midfield is more likely. Additionally, teenage winger Kaide Gordon marked his return to the Premier League after a hiatus of over two years on Sunday.
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