us making a bunch of changes is a given. my question is - how will Norwich approach this? on one hand, they've been crap so far. and need to play a strong team to try to get something positive going. otoh, a good EFL Cup run will be meaningless if their Prem results continue so poorly. they may not want to risk their regular starters (not a big squad) or they may want to bring in yoots to shake things up. my guess is they'll go with their strongest lineup and hope to get a "we beat the mighty LFC" vibe going.
It’s always fun trying to predict the league cup team. I think the question is whether Matip, Robertson, and Trent are played in this one or given an extended rest. I wouldn’t play any of them in the League Cup. Kelleher Neco Konoute Gomez Tsmikas Milner Jones Keita Origi Chamberlain Minamino Hopefully Kaide Gordon makes the bench and gets his debut. He was left out of the U23 squad today, so that suggests he will be involved Tuesday. Who knows, maybe even a start. Edit: Neco Williams is injured and young right back Connor Bradley was left out of the U23’s, so it could be him starting at right back.
Not sure about that. I’d rather see Konoute get more experience playing in our team and Gomez get another game in his legs. Virgil and Matip back in at the weekend. It’s hard enough to rotate and keep 4 CB’s sharp. Nat is only there in case of injuries.
Ljinders confirms Kelleher to start vs Norwich. Bobby returns to training today but will not feature. Thiago out for at least the next two matches.
he wouldn't have played tomorrow. the match after is Brentford - so while it would be nice to have him - hopefully we are ok with Naby, Hendo, Fabinho, Jones, Milner (even Ox who is better in the midfield).
sure. it's not the 2 imminent games, it's the "at least" bit. after last season I'm on high alert these days.
Not a fan of the League Cup. The League Championship Cup is the real one. But having said that, it’s an embarrassing one to lose. So, go for it!
I want us to win every game in every competition, but if we crash out tomorrow I really won't give it a second thought after Wednesday's post-game analysis (as long as nobody gets crocked that is). the other fish to be fried are MUCH bigger and MUCH tastier.
Our "b-team" is better than the last few years have led everyone to believe in the domestic cups. Hope we can make a run and some of the squad players see this as an opportunity.
When Liverpool signed Gordon earlier this year, they paid a relatively small fee up front. Much of the deal was in add-ons, which would be paid to Derby if Gordon ended up becoming a first-teamer at Liverpool. One of the clauses means Derby will be owed £100,000 if Gordon starts for Liverpool.
He cost us about 3 million. I can’t see Klopp taking 100K in consideration when picking his teams Sam. Sounds like the kid is a deal for the team. Or an investment if he doesn’t work in the long run.
I agree. I didn't post that as a criticism, just a bit of trivia. I'd love the lad to start tonight, there is a ton of hype about him so will be good to see if he can live up to it.
The Norwich player Cantwell can be a bit of a handful. I think he usually plays LW (?) and if so could influence our thinking re giving both Bradley and Gordon starts on the right side. Maybe start them and put Millie at RM. Gonna be interesting.
I'm mostly interested in who he plays as the 6. Would like to see if Jones could do a job there. I'd also be inclined not to use Milner again just in case Trent isn't ready for the weekend. Play Ox in midfield and start Gordon.
Seriously. Bring him on at halftime or whatever. Why give away 100k... that's one-and-a-half days pay for the deal Mo will hopefully sign soon!