Liverpool are set to face Arsenal in the League Cup this week as the Reds seek to further their search for silverware this season.
In fact, a result for the Reds against the Gunners will be music to the fringe players’ ears as Jurgen Klopp is known to give younger players a chance in the FA and League Cups.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Adrian was used again, to give Alisson a rest as the Brazilian has played every game since regaining his fitness.
Mo Salah isn’t expected to feature in the Cup as he’s not long got back from an injury himself, and it’s unlikely the boss will want to risk him.
At the back, as we’re missing Joel Matip for a couple of months, I’m going to suggest it’ll be a back four of Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren, Andy Robertson and Ki Jana Hoever.
I wouldn’t be surprised though if Joe Gomez made an appearance, as he’s surely gagging for a chance to reclaim his spot in the starting team.
In midfield, it’s a bit trickier. I’d argue for one of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start against Arsenal, but Klopp may favour a youth player like Curtis Jones.
I’d suggest a trio of James Milner, Adam Lallana and Keita for the Arsenal game – but it’s near-impossible to call what Klopp will do in the Cup.
Up top, I expect Divock Origi to start either on the left flank or through the centre. With Salah likely missing out, Sadio Mane may start on the right wing.
Rhian Brewster missed out on the U23s’ last game, but wasn’t used by the senior team either so that suggests to me that we may see him against Arsenal.