Liverpool and Leeds United, two sides those used to be two dominating forces in English football once upon a time, will lock horns in the quarter-final of English League Cup. Leeds United have lost their reputation over the last few years and are still working on their promotion to the Premier League since a long time and finally looking on course of achieving that this term. Under Garry Monk, the Whites have done pretty well this season and are fifth in the League table right now.
Leeds have not reached the last four of a major competition since their Champions League semi-final appearance in 2000/01. On the other hand, Jürgen Klopp will be keen to put his hands on his first trophy at Liverpool. He guided the Red to finals of both League Cup and Europa League last season but the Reds lost both. They have done so well so far this season but we expect Klopp to field a weakened XI against the Whites on Tuesday.
Leeds are on the back of a 2-1 win against Rotherham in the Championship on Saturday while Liverpool won 2-0 against Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool qualified for the quarter finals beating the likes of Burton, Derby and Spurs while Leeds overcame Fleetwood Town, Luton Town, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City to come this far.
Team news
Liverpool
Liverpool’s influential playmaker Philippe Coutinho is like to miss more than a month after sustaining an ankle injury against Sunderland on Saturday. Roberto Firmino is also unlikely to be involved in the game after picking up a knock against Sunderland. Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana are both likely to miss through injuries. Klopp could hence test his squad depth against Leeds, fielding those players who are not getting much playing time including the likes of Mignolet, Lucas, Moreno and Klavan.
Leeds
Leeds do not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of the game. Monk has so far rotated his starting XI in League Cup games but is unlikely to do so against a stronger Liverpool side.
Predicted lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Arnold, Lucas, Klavan, Moreno; Grujic, Stewart, Ejaria; Woodburn, Origi, Ojo
Leeds (4-2-3-1): Green; Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor; O’Kane, Phillips; Doukara, Vieira, Roofe; Wood
Key players
Liverpool- Divock Origi
Origi scored a stunner against Sunderland on Saturday when Liverpool were looking clueless how to break a resolute Sunderland defence to hand Liverpool the opening goal. The Belgian will be the key man for Liverpool against Leeds and despite the young team likely to be named by Klopp, he’ll be the experienced one up front.
Leeds United- Chris Wood
Wood has been in sensational form for Leeds this season having scored 12 goals in all competitions. The Kiwi will be the key player for the Whites against Liverpool and considering Liverpool’s weak defending, he will be up for the game.
Odds
Liverpool win — 2/7
Draw — 11/2
Leeds win — 10/1
