With the Carabao Cup back on the fixture list, Liverpool manager Arne Slott is likely to make some changes ahead of this week’s clash with Crystal Palace. Despite losing on penalties in the Community Shield in August and losing 2-1 at Selhurst Park last month, it is doubtful whether Slott will bring in his star players for revenge.
As usual, the teams will be rotated, which could create an interesting story during a fourth-round tie. Many of Liverpool’s players will essentially be competing for more game time in this competition. Freddie Woodman is set to make his debut as goalkeeper for the Reds. With Alisson Becker sidelined with a hamstring problem and Giorgi Mamadashvili being the first choice these days, Woodman, who quietly arrived on a free transfer in the summer, is likely to be chosen as his replacement.
At right-back, Jeremy Frimpong is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Conor Bradley as the only senior player available in that position.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been an occasional substitute this season, and it has been suggested that Joe Gomez could also take his place, but the experienced and adaptable defender will be asked to play at centre-back. Will Bradley play in his third game in a week?
This is a delicate balancing act for slots to manage.
Calvin Ramsey, who last played a senior game almost three years ago in a penalty shootout win against Jurgen Klopp’s Derby County, could be a surprise choice. However, the injury will be a major blow to Bradley at this point, as his fitness record is less than perfect.
Gomez is unlikely to risk Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk, so he could partner Wataru Endo in defence, with Milos Kerkes and Andy Robertson options on the left.
In midfield, this could be a great opportunity to give more minutes to Alexis Mac Allister, who continues to work towards full fitness after an interrupted summer. The World Cup-winning Argentine came on as a substitute in last week’s game against Frankfurt and was also a substitute in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford.
Trey Nyoni started in the last game against Southampton and is looking for a fresh start. This competition is ideal for young players who may need first-team experience.
A partnership with Mac Allister could be the ticket to giving Szoboszlai a night’s rest, or at least a spot on the bench, given his abundance of playing time this season.
The tournament was created especially for Federico Chiesa, who provided two assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike against Southampton last month. The Italian is expected to take up a position on the right flank again.
But there are also jokers in the pack like Kieran Morrison, who was on the bench against Brentford on Saturday. The Northern Ireland winger played a key role in all five goals as Rob Page’s young guns beat their Frankfurt rivals in a nail-biting 5-4 UEFA Youth League game on Wednesday afternoon.
Will Morrison be rewarded with a first-team start after his recent form?
Meanwhile, Rio Ngmoha is also expected to make an appearance, as is Nyoni. The Anfield bosses have high hopes for the former Chelsea starlet and he has shown promising signs in pre-season, having just celebrated his 17th birthday at the end of August, and is showing his potential.
This could be another opportunity for the England Under-19 international to showcase his talent.
Who will lead the attack will largely depend on the severity of Isaac’s groin problem. With Jaden Duns sidelined with a hamstring injury, Slott may consider giving Sweden international Isak more game time, as he did against Southampton, where he scored his only goal for the club so far.
However, if there is any doubt, Ekitike may have to take the lead again. Codi Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are also possibilities if Slott decides not to gamble with the French international, but both players will certainly operate beyond their normal roles.
