Arsenal will lock horns with Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a win in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup competition. The Gunners will be heading into the contest on the back of a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the same contest, whereas the Reds recorded a 3-0 win against Brentford on January 16.
Team News
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had to be taken off due to an ankle injury in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday, so he remains a doubt for Thursday.
“It was something with the ankle, he rolled his ankle.” – Klopp said.
“Now we hope it’s nothing serious but we will get further or final information tomorrow.
“It’s absolutely too early [to tell the severity of the injury]. I have no idea, don’t know.”
Besides, the Reds will be without the services of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita as they are currently at the African Cup of Nations. Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi, Nathaniel Phillips, and Thiago Alcantara are also injured.
The German tactician will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game as Takumi Minamino looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Arsenal
Defence
Alisson Becker should return to operate between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Brazilian shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
Joel Matip will form the centre-half partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s backline.
Andrew Robertson is a guaranteed starter at the left wing-back position, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The full-backs will be expected to stretch their side’s attack in the opposition half.
Konstantinos Tsimikas will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
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Midfield
Fabinho might start in the holding midfield position and could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the away side’s back-four.
Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones will slot into the central midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal scoring chances for the front men.
James Milner could come off the bench in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
Attack
Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota will take up the wide positions, playing on the right and left-wing, respectively.
Roberto Firmino will lead the line for the visitors against Arsenal in midweek. The Brazil international will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the Arsenal defence that has kept two clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
