Liverpool can secure a spot in the Carabao Cup final eight by winning their match against Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
When the final is just a few more wins away, the Carabao Cup can soon look less like an unnecessary schedule clogger and more like reachable silverware. England’s main domestic cup competition may not be top of Jurgen Klopp’s goals this season.
The Reds’ trip to struggling Bournemouth offers them an excellent opportunity to continue their pursuit of a record-extending tenth trophy.
In the Premier League this season, Andoni Iraola’s Cherries have only triumphed once, falling to Liverpool 3-1 in August.
The game brings more opportunities for Liverpool’s young and fringe stars, but who is set to get the nod this Wednesday night?
This is the possible lineup for Liverpool.
YOUNGSTERS IN AT THE BACK
Despite a lacklustre performance in the Reds’ most recent Europa League match against Toulouse, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to maintain his spot as cup keeper at the Vitality Stadium, having started the team’s other Carabao Cup match against Leicester back in September.
Luke Chambers (19) and Jarell Quansah (20) could have more opportunities in front of him; the latter made his Liverpool debut in the victory over Toulouse.
more seasoned leaders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate might have a break by way of a rotation between Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Calum Scanlon, another academy star, might potentially be eligible for game time.
MIDFIELD CHANGES
Wataru Endo has shown promise recently and seems to be settling into his role at Liverpool, not the least of which being his first goal for the team in the 5-1 victory over Toulouse.
The captain of Japan, who received an assist in the previous Carabao Cup round against Leicester, might start on Wednesday night as the defensive midfielder.
English midfielders Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, who have excelled this season despite facing off against $145 million worth of fresh talent, might play either side of him.
As the fixture schedule intensifies, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai could see some relief.
But James McConnell, 19 years old who also earned his senior debut against Toulouse, might possibly see playing time in this game.
ROTATING ATTACK
As long as his father’s abduction crisis in Colombia persists, Luis Diaz is probably going to be absent.
With the winger sidelined for unknown reasons, Klopp will have to choose between three and four attackers, if Ben Doak is also out due to injury. Ben Doak hasn’t been included in any matchday squads since suffering a knock during the international break.
To start as the central striker, Cody Gakpo is a sensible choice, leaving Darwin Nuñez, who is in form, for the weekend trip to Luton. After finishing in 11th place in the Ballon d’Or on Monday night, Mohamed Salah may start next to Diogo Jota. Elliott, however, may also be a viable alternative if he wants to push up into the front three and relieve one of the main strikers.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL STARTING XI TO FACE BOURNEMOUTH
(4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Chambers; Endo, Elliott, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Jota.