A Carabao Cup quarter-final hasn’t exactly arrived at an ideal time for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
With the Reds plagued by multiple absences and a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal upcoming, Jurgen Klopp would’ve preferred a week off to prepare for the Gunners’ visit.
Nevertheless, Liverpool have the chance to reach the last four of the competition as they welcome West Ham to Anfield. The Reds are nine-time winners of the Carabao Cup, with their last success arriving in 2022.
Here’s how the Reds could line up on Wednesday night.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – The Irishman was between the sticks when Liverpool won the competition in 2022 and remains Klopp’s primary option for cup games.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – While the Liverpool boss is expected to rotate in midweek, several core starters should retain their places. One of those is Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Joel Matip’s long-term injury is a killer for Klopp given their lack of centre-back options, so Konate will be expected to get through a ton of minutes in the Cameroonian’s absence.
CB: Jarell Quansah – Either Konate or Virgil van Dijk will be preserved for Saturday’s game against Arsenal. Quansah is a sure bet to come into the cup side in midweek having impressed in Europe.
LB: Joe Gomez – Klopp’s left-back options aren’t exactly great in Andy Robertson’s absence. Kostas Tsimikas is more likely to start against the Gunners.
DM: Wataru Endo – The underwhelming Japanese international is likely to continue at the base of midfield with Alexis Mac Allister still nursing a knee injury.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The Hungarian was far from his best on Sunday, but Klopp will need Szoboszlai fit and firing against a balanced Irons midfield.
CM: Harvey Elliott – The young midfielder is perhaps deserving of more starts, but he’ll almost certainly make Klopp’s lineup in midweek with Ryan Gravenberch missing out.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian featured during the Europa League group stage and Klopp won’t be afraid to risk Salah on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
ST: Cody Gakpo – Darwin Nunez’s anonymous display on Sunday should see him drop out of the side in midweek. Gakpo will get the nod against the Hammers.
LW: Luis Diaz – The Colombian winger has struggled for form in recent weeks and Klopp could do with Diogo Jota’s return. However, Diaz will likely keep his place due to a lack of available alternatives.
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