Once upon a time, this used to be one of the biggest games in English football. Leeds United are still working on their promotion to the Premier League since a long time and finally looking on course of achieving that this term. The Whites are looking much stronger compared to their last few seasons and the credit goes to Garry Monk. The Yorkshire-based side find themselves in top six after their 2-1 win against Rotherham United on Saturday but have a tough game on their hands in the midweek as they travel to Anfield to play in-form Liverpool in the quarter-final of the League Cup.
Liverpool are placed second on the Premier League table right now and won 2-0 against Sunderland on Saturday but the victory came at the cost of their key player Philippe Coutinho who seemed to pick up a nasty injury and looks to remain out for a significant period. We can expect Klopp opting for a host of changes to the starting XI in order to keep his key players fit for the weekend’s Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Here is the predicted Liverpool lineup against Leeds United.
Defence
Loris Karius has replaced Simon Mignolet as the first-choice keeper and has been impressive of late. The Belgian will get his chance in the League Cup and will be looking to impress the manager and the fans. We can Klopp to rest all four of Liverpool’s first-choice back four Clyne, Matip, Lovren and Milner. Youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to start at right back.
Lucas Leiva is likely to start in central defence alongside Ragnar Klavan. Alberto Moreno will get his opportunity at left back.
Midfield
Kevin Stewart is likely to start at the base of the midfield trio in place of skipper Jordan Henderson. Serbian wonderkid Marko Grujic is likely to start as one of the box to box midfielders.
Ovie Ejaria has impressed every time he got an opportunity to showcase his skills and Klopp is likely to start the youngster in the middle of the park. Henderson, Wijnaldum and Can all are likely to be rested by Klopp.
Attack
Liverpool were dealt a massive blow with Coutinho leaving the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a nasty ankle injury. The Brazilian seems to be out for a foreseeable future. Roberto Firmino also limped off giving double trouble to Klopp but it did not seem that bad.
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Klopp would have probably rested Firmino, Coutinho and Mane against Leeds anyway. We expect Sheyi Ojo to start on the left flank. Another youngster Ben Woodburn is likely to start on the right. Klopp has no option but to start Divock Origi up front.
