Choosing a sensible FA Cup XI v Exeter – Ryan Kent & Joao Teixeira included

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Liverpool have a very intense run of matches this January, with massive Premier League matches with Arsenal and Manchester United combining with two League Cup semi-final legs and an FA Cup 3rd round tie with Exeter.

It’s this match, set to take place on Friday, that gives Jurgen Klopp the best opportunity to rotate.

The Grecians are 16th in League Two and we should have enough firepower to defeat them regardless of what XI we put out.

Adam Bogdan had a nightmare against Watford during his last outing, but has been solid in the League Cup so far and could be given another chance to prove he is a capable backup stopper.

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Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno have been used more than any other outfield player under Klopp, and considering the work-rate required of modern fullbacks, this match gives Klopp a chance to take them out of the firing line. Connor Randall and Brad Smith, who impressed during his Upton Park cameo, are obvious options to come in. Jose Enrique is unlikely to ever play for Liverpool again and Jon Flanagan is still making his slow return from an 18 month injury.

At centre-half, Dejan Lovren deserves a rest and Martin Skrtel is crocked – meaning Kolo Toure could partner Mamadou Sakho – who is badly lacking match sharpness since his return from injury. The Exeter will hopefully give him another opportunity to tune up. Tiago Ilori is back from loan, but if he couldn’t get a single minute for the worst team in the Premier League, it’s proving pretty obvious that he was just never worth the money we paid him in the first place – precisely why Brendan Rodgers never gave him any minutes either.

Joe Allen hasn’t had much of a look in since the Newcastle nightmare and is a natural choice for central midfield. We’re going to pair with him Cameron Brannagan, a regular on Klopp’s bench. This will enable Emre Can a well-earned rest, while James Milner and Jordan Henderson could do with missing the likely feisty tie after recent injuries. Lucas could also start, but the match seems a good opportunity for Brannagan.

Out wide, Ryan Kent should start. The 19-year-old’s been recalled from a loan spell at Coventry with the specific aim of integrating him into the first-team squad, so the Exeter tie seems a perfect opportunity to blood him.

Joao Teixeira definitely deserves an opportunity, while Jordon Ibe needs minutes to develop his undeniable talent as well. These two should make up the attacking midfield.

 

This will allow Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana a rest.

Up top, Christian Benteke is the obvious choice. Danny Ings and Divock Origi are injured, while Klopp would prefer to bring Daniel Sturridge back slowly and maximise the Englishman’s time on the training pitch.

The Belgian forward will be needed a lot this January due to injuries, but he needs to step it up. His outing at West Ham was awful, but we spent £32.5m on him and need to give him the chance to adapt to Klopp’s style. Only minutes will help.

So here’s how we’d like Liverpool to line up… Thoughts?

 

More Stories Adam Bogdan Brad Smith Christian Benteke Cmaeron Brannagan Connor Randall Joao Teixeira Joe Allen Jordon Ibe Kolo Toure Mamadou Sakho Ryan Kent