Liverpool v Chelsea: Predicted Lineup & Match Preview

Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield this evening, with it

being the first time that Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso have faced off against

one another as head coaches.

The pair are friends from their playing days, but both have

insisted ahead of this Carabao Cup tie that friendship will be put to one side to

focus on the task at hand.

But with Iraola recently emphasising the need for rotation

to keep legs fresh while also giving everyone to opportunity to play, who will

the Spaniard select for this fixture?

GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

After impressing in the last round against Tottenham, the

Georgian will likely be given the nod in goal once again, resting Alisson

Becker ahead of a crucial run of games.

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

The “Greek Scouser” has looked strong when given the chance

to play ahead of first choice left back Milos Kerkez, with some even calling

for Tsimikas to start over the Hungarian international more regularly.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

The skipper put in a better showing last time out against

Brighton compared to the Villarreal game before, so he will be looking to

continue this against Chelsea.

CB – Joe Gomez

The last game the 29-year-old started was against Spurs in

the third round, therefore he could be set to feature again in this

competition.

RB – Ronald Araujo

A fantastic display against Brighton, being many people’s

Player of the Match and earning the recognition of the Premier League by

winning “Player of the Matchweek”.

So, with him in strong form, Iraola is likely to trust the

Uruguayan from the start in this game.

DM – Trey Nyoni

Several professional performances from the 19-year-old have earned him the trust of not only the Liverpool fanbase but also Andoni Iraola.

And with a big-league game coming up, this seems like the perfect opportunity

to play Nyoni and give Alexis Mac Allister a much-deserved break.

DM – Ryan Gravenberch

While it is possible that the likes of James McConnell are

given the chance to shine, the experience of Gravenberch in a game that is

likely to be high intensity, and very front footed could be the difference

between advancing into the next round or not.

LW – Federico Chiesa

Having featured in the matchday squad for the last game, reports have suggested that he could be in line to make his first start for the Reds since February 14th.

CAM – Florian Wirtz

Three goal contributions in the last four games, the German

playmaker appears to be gaining some form and momentum behind him.

And with Iraola confirming that Wirtz is likely to be

available for this game, he will likely start, especially in the likely absence

of Dominik Szoboszlai.

RW – Rio Ngumoha

A sensational individual showing versus Villarreal and

having only played 13 minutes in the league over the weekend, the teenage star

boy will likely be given another chance to show the world what he can do.

ST – Lewis Koumas

With Arsenal to come and Alexander Isak being the only fit

and available natural striker in the squad at the moment, Koumas should lead

the line for the Reds, with his pressing and work rate perfect to cause

problems for a leaky Chelsea backline.

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