Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI against Arsenal for Carabao Cup quarters
Hosts Liverpool welcome familiar foes Arsenal at Anfield as the two sides lock horns once again this season, in the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup, on Thursday.
A confident Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool players will be looking to continue their impressive run of form after their fiery 2-1 comeback win against Tottenham last Sunday.
Meanwhile, for Unai Emery and his Arsenal lads, it was a day of disappointment as they squandered a two-goal lead to end the game 2-2 against Crystal Palace.
Still league leaders and unbeaten, with nine wins and one draw from ten matches, European champions Liverpool remain clear favourites to win but things could go down the wire, as Arsenal seek a revival of fortunes after failing to register a win in their last two league outings.
Team News
Manager Klopp will most likely wait for the final set of assessments from his medical staff before inducting the injured Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk for the tie.
Salah, who returned to play recently following his ankle injury, once again injured the same, casting doubts over his involvement in the coming fixture.
However, centre back van Djik’s condition is not as serious as the Egyptian’s as the former suffers a dead leg. After initial assessments, Klopp had updated on both players’ conditions, stating that it was not a major concern.
Joel Matip’s return still remains doubtful as he recuperates from a knee injury sustained earlier, while Xerdan Shaqiri has been ruled out with a calf injury. Right-back Nathaniel Clyne has been omitted, following an ACL tear.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted XI
1. Alisson Becker (GK)
The Brazilian keeper has returned to the side after a long injury lay-off and was not tested too much against Tottenham. The big-buck signing put up a decent display otherwise.
2.Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The young Englishman looks like a man in form. He has proved to be a constant threat along the flanks, troubling defences with his dangerous crosses. Though his defence was not exactly commendable it improved as the game progressed.
3. Dejan Lovren (CB)
The Croatian looked out of sorts as he struggled to keep a tougher and tenacious Harry Kane at bay. In spite of his poor show, the 30-year old would be given the nod ahead of Joe Gomez, who has fallen down the Klopp’s pecking order.
4. Virgil van Dijk (CB)
As ever, the Dutchman was rock solid at the back. He once again lived up to his hype as last years’ best defender excelling both in attack and defence.
5. Andy Robertson (LB)
What Arnold does in the right, Robertson does in the left, except he runs faster. The Scotsman was a bundle of energy with his penetrating runs in the flank. Sadio Mane teamed well alongside him to split open Spurs defence.
6. Fabinho (CDM)
The Brazilian has slowly integrated into Klopp’s system and plays a vital role in the current squad. With excellent composure and timing on the ball, Fabinho was a calm presence building the game from behind against Spurs.
7. Jordan Henderson (RCM)
Has become the players and coaches favourite to wear the captain’s armband with his confident and fiery spirit. Brought the Reds back into the game with an equaliser and anchored the game intelligently.
8. James Milner (LCM)
Klopp’s utility man for tactical occasions, Milner has aged liked fine wine and could get the nod ahead of the technically gifted Georginio Wijnaldum when Liverpool face a talented but inexperienced Arsenal midfield which includes Dani Ceballos, and Matteo Guendouzi among many.
9.Sadio Mane (LW)
Clearly Liverpool’s star-man for the season. The Senegalese attacker was once again in the thick of things against Spurs and has outshone the magical Salah this season with his goal-scoring prowess.
10.Mohamed Salah (RW)
Though off late Salah has looked a little off colour, there is no denying his talent and eye for goal. It was evident against Tottenham, where he troubled Spurs custodian Gazzaniga with his powerful shots on target.
Read more
- Liverpool would be quite wise to keep hold of their two promising young stars instead of offloading them in the summer
- Forget it Klopp – Liverpool would be better off avoiding this in-form 19-year-old sensation and here’s why
11.Roberto Firmino (CF)
As Klopp puts it, Firmino is an unbelievably valuable asset for the Reds. It is his deceptive tricks, flicks, and link-up play with both Mane and Salah that make them the most dreaded attacking trio at present.
