Liverpool take on Championship outfit Burton Albion away from home in the newly named EFL Cup on Tuesday.
After Saturday’s humiliation at Turf Moor, it’ll be a good opportunity for Liverpool to get back to winning ways.
Without European football, we need to stay in the cups so as to give the entire squad playing time this season, with the likes of Danny Ings, Joel Matip and others yet to play a minute of football this campaign.
Simon Mignolet will continue between the sticks, we presume. There’s no need to use Alex Manninger unless we absolutely have to.
At right-back we think the superbly talented Trent Alexander-Arnold could come in for Nathaniel Clyne and allow our regular starter a rest before Spurs away. Without any left-back cover though, Alberto Moreno will likely play on the other side – having sat our for James Milner against Burnley.
In central defence, we’re backing Joel Matip to make his competitive debut, probably alongside Dejan Lovren who we’re predicting will take the armband.
Emre Can’s back problem should be sorted for the young German to make his first start of the campaign, while we reckon Kevin Stewart will anchor the side, allowing his team-mate a little more freedom. This means Marko Grujic can also make a debut in a central trio.
On the right, Lazar Markovic will hopefully inject pace into the side in the absence of injured Sadio Mane. Divock Origi needs game time so should lead the line, while we’re backing Adam Lallana to play on the left – although this role is very much up for grabs.
Expect Ings to come on as a substitute at some point.
