The fourth round of the English League Cup will see a high-profile clash at Anfield on Tuesday as Liverpool take on Tottenham. With a place in the quarter-final to play for, this high-profile Premier League clash will be an intriguing battle in the midweek. Liverpool have been superb lately, and are currently level on points with Arsenal and Manchester City. The Reds are on a run of nine games without a loss in all competitions with seven wins and two draws and will be keen to keep it intact.
The League Cup is usually a competition where managers test their bench strength and give opportunities to top young players. However, both Klopp and Pochettino will be in a dilemma whether to go for wholesale changes or play a strong XI respecting the quality of the opponents. Spurs were left frustrated with a goalless draw at Bournemouth and slipped their chance to go to the top of the table. Pochettino will be concerned after his side drawing all their last three games.
We expect Klopp to make a lot of changes to his starting XI keeping the away tie against Crystal Palace in the weekend in mind. The Eagles have a knack of upsetting the Reds and Klopp will want all his key players fresh for the game. Here is the predicted Liverpool lineup against Spurs.
Defence
Simon Mignolet will get his chance under the bar in the League Cup and will be looking to impress. Nathaniel Clyne has played a lot of games this season and could be rested against Spurs. Connor Randall will take his place. Both Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren could be rested against Spurs with Lucas Leiva and Ragnar Klavan slotting into the side. Alberto Moreno will get his opportunity at left back with James Milner getting a breather.
Midfield
Kevin Stewart is likely to start at the base of Liverpool midfield. Skipper Jordan Henderson has done so well in that role this season but is suspended for the game picking up five yellow cards this season. The good news for Liverpool is that it is only for a League Cup game.
Marko Grujic will be looking to make an impact as he starts as one of the box to box midfielders. Georginio Wijnaldum will complete the midfield trio as he will look to build up his match fitness after coming back from a knock.
Attack
Liverpool’s in-form front-three Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are all likely to be rested against Spurs. The three of Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi are likely to replace the trio up front.
