It will be interesting to see how Liverpool lineup against Preston in the Carabao Cup. Liverpool will be happy to go against Preston with a positive mindset after thumping Manchester United 0-5.
This game will see Jurgen Klopp do changes to the lineup. It gives him the opportunity to rotate his pack and rest the main players. The Reds will face Brighton and Hove Albion and Atletico Madrid next. Hence, they would rest their key players for this fixture.
Liverpool Team News: Carabao Cup round of 16
Defence
Looking at Liverpool’s defence, Caoimhin Kelleher remains a big doubt due to his illness as he missed Sunday’s match too. This will allow Jurgen Klopp to give Adrian a chance at the goal this midweek.
We can also expect further changes to the backline. Fullbacks Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will most probably return to the bench. Therefore, Kostas Tsimikas will find a berth to play and Conor Bradley at right-back spot instead of Neco Williams.
The central defensive pair could comprise of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. This will ensure that Virgil Van Dijk and new signing Ibrahima Konate get adequate rest. Ibrahima Konate is gaining confidence ever since his arrival from RB Leipzig.
Midfield
The midfield might contain Curtis Jones alongside Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain. Injuries of James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita will keep them out. While playing Fabinho will be a risk and The Reds will definitely avoid that.
Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson should get the holding role having vast experience.
Forward
The attacking department will see a complete shuffle surely. Talisman Mohamed Salah who is riding on the best form of his life will be rested. Moreover, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will too have a day off.
We can expect Divock Origi to lead the attack in the centre. Alongside him, we can expect Takumi Minamino to feature. Unfortunately, Harvey Elliott still remains out of option. This will force Jurgen Klopp to start Sadio Mane again. Kyle Gordon is a wonderful choice but Klopp would prefer Sadio Mane to start given his bench start against Man United.
Liverpool predicted lineup against Preston
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Adrian, Bradley, Matip, Tsimikas, Jones, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Mane, Origi.
