Team News: Who is in and who is out for Liverpool against Preston North End

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to ring in the changes against Preston North End

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces challenges when deciding the starting lineup to play against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup owing to recent injuries.

Liverpool put in another stellar performance at Old Trafford, beating Manchester United 5-0 in their own backyard. There is however no time for celebration as Klopp and co prepare to face Preston North End in the Carabao cup fixture on Wednesday. It’s going to be their fourth of seven games in 23 days.  

Jurgen Klopp would want to use different legs for this match to give his players breathing space. He experienced the consequences of a hectic schedule last season, playing crucial games without his primary backline owing to untimely injuries.

No problem with goal and backline    

If Caoimhin Kelleher recovers from the illness, he’ll be given a chance to stand in goal with Adrian as a backup.  With Kostas Tsimikas and Neco Williams available, our starting wingback duo can be handed a much-needed break.

Joe Gomez, who is awaiting his turn, can feature in this match as a centre back. Given the performances the other three defenders have shown, he will need to make the most of his opportunity.

Klopp can use a different centre back pairing this time as he already used Ibrahima Konate for the United game. Joel Matip isn’t fully recovered for game time, and Virgil van Dijk will likely not be used. 

Selection headache in midfield 

Klopp faces some challenges deciding the midfield as he lost James Milner and Naby Keita due to injury in the game against United. Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott are already out, while Fabinho appears unlikely to be gambled.

Henderson will probably be given the rest he deserves after featuring in all eight Premier League games this season. That means 18-year-old Tyler Morton could start alongside Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. 

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Mane can be utilized 

Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are set to feature, having scored key goals against Norwich in the third round.

But there is uncertainty about Kaide Gordon’s availability for the clash due to an injury. This could mean the German manager has to use one of his senior players for the clash. Sadio Mane, who enjoyed most of the United game from the bench, can be used in the front. 

Academy players James Balagizi and Mateusz Musialowski can also be involved if required.