‘Epic’ Youngster to Start: Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs West Ham for EFL Cup Quarter-Finals

Alisson Becker has returned from injury, however Caoimhín Kelleher has started most cup fixtures. The Irishman is set to play against West Ham, as revealed to the media last night.

In cup games, Joe Gomez has replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold. As the only fit left-back, Kostas Tsimikas has started almost every game. Jarell Quansah, an “epic” youngster, has received a generous amount of cup minutes at just 20 years of age, alongside Ibrahima Konaté.

Read More: ‘Involved in the Poker’: Liverpool Ready to Battle Bayern Munich and Chelsea for ‘Brilliant’ Player

The recent starting midfield consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott will look for potential minutes in this fixture. Up front is Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Diaz. 

Watch: What Can Stop Liverpool From Winning the Premier League Title This Season?

Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics

Liverpool’s most recent game was a 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United. Despite dominating the game and having 68% possession, the Merseyside outfit failed to score or even cause a significant threat to United’s clean sheet.

The team took 15 shots from outside the box but only troubled André Onana with three easy saves. They appeared impatient and overconfident in their ability to trouble the out-of-form Cameroonian.

Read More: Liverpool Eyeing Potential Move For £25 Million ‘Defensive Rock’ To Replace Injured Joel Matip

Part of this attacking mediocracy was the lack of supply for Salah. The Egyptian is normally latching onto the end of passes in dangerous areas. However, his most threatening shot racked up an xG of just 0.12, and he had five other tame attempts. In contrast, he created the second most chances for the team with five – one fewer than Alexander-Arnold. It appeared that Salah was making all the progressive carries and passes, rather than being supplied to by his teammates.

Read More: Liverpool Face Crucial Decision Over Attacker’s Future

The lack of support for the forward may be linked to the poor form of Szoboszlai. Deemed by many as the signing of the season just a month or two ago, the Hungarian has been fruitless in his last few games. He was subbed early during late comebacks against both Crystal Palace and Fulham. Uncoincidentally, in both matches the side had been lacklustre offensively and quickly kicked into gear after his substitution.

On Sunday Szobszlai created zero chances and had just one optimistic effort from 35 yards, leading to a return to the bench just an hour in. Fans will be frustrated with the team’s performance on Sunday, and anticipating a more ruthless approach against West Ham. Klopp will likely make a few tactical tweaks.

Liverpool Injuries to Consider

Klopp’s assistant, Pepijn Lijnders, revealed injury news in a press conference on Tuesday. Gravenberch came off injured against United, but Lijnders explained: “He had a scan and it’s only DOMS, which is fatigue, so that’s a really good thing”. He could be available to feature in the cup, however it would be a surprise if he is not rested.

Read More: Liverpool ‘Inquired’ About Attacking ‘Prodigy’ From Bundesliga

Alexis Mac Allister is recovering and “progressing well” with “no pain”. However, the Argentine will miss the clash as his injury is “worse than we first thought”. Diogo Jota is training individually, “doing ball work” but the assistant manager revealed “with hamstring injuries, you have to be careful”. It may be a New Year’s return for the Portuguese.

Andy Robertson, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, and Thiago Alcantara remain out long-term.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup

GK: Caoimhín Kelleher

LB: Joe Gomez

CB: Ibrahima Konaté

CB: Jarell Quansah

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM: Wataru Endo

CM: Curtis Jones

LW: Harvey Elliott

ST: Cody Gakpo

RW: Mohamed Salah