It’s time for the midweek cup games and Liverpool will hope to get over their recent 1-1 draw against Burnley. Up next is a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Some heavy changes are quite rightly expected in the squad and manager Jurgen Klopp has given a hint as to how his line-up might look like, confirming three starters for the game.
The German has said that his third-choice stopper Danny Ward will be guarding the post, while the likes of Marko Grujic and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be up on the field as well. Ward spent last season, on loan at Huddersfield Town and his impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
Speaking ahead of the game in a press conference, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Klopp said:
“I’m not sure the world is ready for such a crazy decision, a third goalkeeper in one season! Danny Ward will play tomorrow if nothing happens overnight.”
Furthermore, he also confirmed that both Grujic and Chamberlain will be on the team sheet against the Foxes.
“Marko Grujic has made a big step in his development but no-one has seen it because he hasn’t played. It’s good he’ll have a chance.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Alex (Oxlade-Chamberlain). He had an impact when he came on. Now you have three of the line-up! We work with him and the analysts and show him how we want him to play in different positions. It’s good.”
The German also spoke about Jon Flanagan’s participation and confirmed that he will at least be involved in the game; may start the game or come in from the bench. Klopp added:
“It makes sense for Flanno is at least in the squad for tomorrow.
“Playing from the beginning? He didn’t have a lot of match time so far, so we will see what we do – it depends on a few other things.”
Besides, Klopp also addressed Dejan Lovren’s situation. The Croatian international missed the Burnley game due to a sore back, but could be involved in the next game. On the other hand, speaking of both Nathaniel Clyne’s and Adam Lallana’s injuries, the German confirmed that the former has started slight training while the latter is close to joining it.
“Lovren should be okay for tomorrow but we’ll see. Clyney is outside training, not the highest intensity, but a big step. Adam is close to going outside and running. For the next step, I’ll give you another update in the next press conference!”
It has been a difficult last week for Liverpool, having drawn two games that they were expected to win. However, a strong performance against Craig Shakespeare’s side is very much on the cards.
