The EFL Cup is back again with Arsenal taking on Liverpool in the 2nd leg of the Semi-final of the competition on Thursday night.
Liverpool will surely be kicking themselves after missing the opportunity to take the lead in the first leg after Arsenal went down to 10 men early on in the game. But the tie is now nicely poised with both sides eyeing for a place in the final against Chelsea.
EFL Cup: Arsenal vs Liverpool – Preview
Liverpool are currently in second place in the PL standings and are falling behind the defending champions Manchester City. With citizens already leading the title race by 11 points chances of Liverpool overcoming Guardiola’s side looks very slim.
But there is a realistic chance for the Reds to lift the EFL Cup at Wembley this season.
The Merseyside giants are one of the favorites to lift the EFL Cup. For the first time in five years, Liverpool are in a semi-final clash in a domestic cup competition.
Moreover, Klopp will be hoping to win a domestic cup, who is yet to win a domestic silverware as a Liverpool manager.
Liverpool are certainly missing the cutting edge up front without the presence of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. But the Reds looked in good shape against Brentford on Sunday.
After picking up just two Premier League points from a possible nine available, Liverpool returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Brentford.
With the Premier League title seemingly slipping away, Liverpool supporters will welcome reaching the EFL cup final. Moreover, Klopp needs to be spot on with his tactics to avoid another frustrating affair against the Gunners on Thursday.
Team news
Nat Phillips, Thiago, and Harvey Elliott will be sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile, Liverpool will continue to be without Salah, Mane, and Keita as all remain away on AFCON duty.
Divock Origi has been in training this week but remains doubtful with a knee problem.
Moreover, former Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured his ankle on Sunday and remains doubtful about the tie. Takumi Minamino is expected to take his place up front alongside Firmino and Jota.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Jota
Arsenal vs Liverpool : What Anfield Home Predicts
Three goals at the weekend and seeing Arsenal’s crisis in midfield will give the Reds confidence. And that confidence can lead to rupturing the Gunners backline.
Liverpool will be high on their confidence coming into this fixture and they look likely to edge past Gunners by 2-1 to book a place in the finals.
