Three ways that Liverpool could rotate against Leicester in the Carabao Cup
Ward / Flanagan, Gomez, Matip, Moreno / Grujic, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain / Woodburn, Sturridge, Solanke
The first option would have Danny Ward going into goal instead of Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius. With Mignolet playing most Premier League games and Karius having played the sole Champions League game so far, it’s only fair that the Welsh shotstopper gets a chance in the Carabao Cup.
Ward had a bright season on loan at Huddersfield last year and he needs regular game time to continue his development.
Fan favourite Jon Flanagan could make his first competitive appearance of the season. Klopp would rather not play Trent Alexander-Arnold every game, and Joe Gomez is an option to slot in alongside Joel Matip at centreback.
Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren have failed to impress this season, accumulating mistake after mistake. Meanwhile, Gomez was rested against Burnley, presumably with an eye on this game. The Charlton youth product is an incredibly bright prospect for the future, but has barely played in his regular position for the Reds.
Him and Matip would make a physically imposing, aerially dominating pair that are also comfortable with the ball at their feet. Lastly, Alberto Moreno could continue to compete with Andrew Robertson for the starting left back berth, with the Scottish international having featured against Burnley during the weekend.
In midfield, Emre Can would play his preferred no. 6 role. The German midfielder has been in a contract impasse with Liverpool over the past year or so and his role in midfield is reportedly an important topic for Can. The same situation, albeit at Arsenal, applies for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Ox has only come off the bench for Liverpool so far, but this game against Leicester is a fantastic chance for a full debut. Ideally, he’d play a role similar to Gini Wijnaldum, playing relatively safe passes but making forward runs into the opposition’s box. Marko Grujic hasn’t featured much this season, but similarly to Ward, he needs senior game time for his development not to stall. The Serbian midfield could also be a great physical option against Leicester’s physical defence if Liverpool are unable to break down the Foxes.
In this lineup, Klopp would move away from his preferred 4-3-3 into a diamond midfield with Ben Woodburn playing at the tip of the diamond. Woodburn impressed for the Reds last season and broke through into the Wales senior squad earlier this month. His creative passing and incisive movement would be key against Leicester’s deep block. Should Klopp maintain his 4-3-3, Woodburn could also play on either side of the striker.
Dominic Solanke and Daniel Sturridge would flank Woodburn in attack. Sturridge looked well off the pace against Burnley, but he’s always flourished when paired with another striker. Solanke impressed in pre-season and almost scored the winner against Burnley. It’s up to Klopp to give him the chances he has earned.