Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was set to make a major change to the starting line-up for the FA Cup quarter-final game against Nottingham Forest.
While the Reds will be dreaming of an unprecedented quad as the final international break looms, the need to field the full squad remains.
Having swept aside everyone in front of them in recent weeks, suddenly there’s a shot at immortality on Klopp’s side and some intelligent rotation here they could support them in a positive way.
That’s now 5 goals in as many @Carabao_Cup Games for Takumi Minamino 🙌
Love it, @takumina0116 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/8T2I6b8gLF
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2021
Though the Reds now represent a crucial period of the competition and the case of a serious threat from playoff pursuers Forest with the likes of Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez, they now have impressive strength at depth.
A host of big-name stars may be rested for this game as one player definitely ruled out is Trent Alexander-Arnold with a hamstring injury.
Here’s how we think Klopp should line up at the City Ground…
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Expected XI: Alison; Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; James Milner, Harvey Elliott, Naby Keita; Takumi Minamino, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi.
Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago.
This line-up will give Klopp an opportunity to see Gomez at right-back, which could be needed if home action returns and Alexander-Arnold is sidelined.
Additionally, with players like Van Dijk and Firmino on site, there is enough experience and quality for the squad to prevail and allows the German boss to rotate off the bench when possible.
With both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah clashing in a crucial game at the break, both should be on full rest before the rigors to come.
Will Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest?
Yes
no
