Liverpool faces Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday night
Liverpool battles Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night at Anfield. The Reds have 10 players sidelined with injuries or unavailable due to international duties.
Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold added to the injury woes after assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders confirmed the knee injury. The 24-year-old would be out for a “few weeks” after sustaining the injury in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
The Reds are already without Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah throughout the Carabao Cup semi-final ties. Endo is representing Japan in the Asian Cup and Salah is representing Egypt in the AFCON tournament, at the moment.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp still faces selection headaches in a few areas while certain positions have limited options.
The Kop Times Predicted starting XI is as follows:
Caoimhin Kelleher
Lijnders confirmed to Liverpoolfc.com that Caoimhin Kelleher will start against Fulham. The 25-year-old is the first-choice goalkeeper over the Reds’ number one, Allison, in the Carabao Cup competition.
Conor Bradley
Trent’s unfortunate injury is a big loss in the creative aspect as he is the best playmaker for the Reds. However, Conor Bradley’s promising cameo against Arsenal in the FA Cup win guarantees him a starting berth against Fulham. The 20-year-old is a sure starter in an injury-ridden defence and he has the opportunity to prove his immense talent.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate delivered a match-winning performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round and showed his leadership skills. The Frenchman shouted orders to his teammates to keep the defence organized as the Reds kept a clean sheet. Klopp has managed game-time for Konate this season to keep him injury-free and to prolong his availability. There is an 11-day gap after the Carabao Cup tie which might allow Klopp to start Konate over Jarell Quansah.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk missed the FA Cup clash against Arsenal due to illness. The confirmation includes the Dutchman’s presence in the Reds’ squad for the Fulham clash, and he will likely start. Van Dijk’s leadership is essential to get a positive result in the home leg before Liverpool travels to Craven Cottage.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez should continue as the make-shift left-back in the absence of injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. The 26-year-old has delivered impressive performances and showed his versatility, keeping Bakuyo Saka in his pocket when Liverpool played Arsenal.
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool lacks a number six with Endo and Trent unavailable, leaving Alexis Mac Allister as the sure starter. The Argentine recently returned from an injury setback but he remains the sure starter under Klopp.
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones has grown into his role as an important central midfielder in Liverpool with his consistent performances. The 22-year-old is an essential starter right now, growing into the role that Gini Wijnaldum played in Klopp’s “Liverpool 1.0”.
Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch produced a good cameo performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup during the latter stage when Liverpool dominated. The 21-year-old has shown glimpses of what he brings to the table, expected to start with Dominik Szoboszlai out injured.
Harvey Elliott
Klopp’s biggest selection headache is the attacking lineup despite the absence of Salah. Harvey Elliott can get a nod over Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, capable of playing at the right flank. The 20-year-old has played as the deputy to Salah this season and brings more balance to the formation. Elliott’s work ethic will assist Bradley in adapting to starting for the Reds in Trent’s absence, aiding his acclimation to the team’s starting lineup.
Diogo Jota
After Diogo Jota’s substitution in the second half of the FA Cup clash, he troubled Arsenal. He beat the media’s favourite defender William Saliba in an aerial duel to hit the crossbar. The Portuguese assisted Diaz during the extra time to secure the victory for the Reds. Jota is the most clinical finisher in the team during the absence of Salah and he should start this game.
Luis Diaz
On-form Diaz needs to build upon his return to top-form since 2024 began, putting behind all the unfortunate setbacks. The Colombian faced a dreadful 2023 since returning from his long-term knee injury, showing his old form in recent games.
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Klopp could start Darwin Nunez and Gakpo ahead of any of the front three, depending on the tactics he opts for. The loss of Trent is a major factor going into the Carabao Cup tie but given the quality of the squad, Liverpool needs to secure an advantage in the first leg.
The Kop Times predicted lineup is – Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jota, Diaz.
