Liverpool vs Everton predicted team: All eyes on Takumi Minamino debut

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1140640499,1196044186 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool (L) and Everton Manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Liverpool and Everton meet in the third round of the FA Cup on January 5, 2020 at Anfield,Liverpool. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Everton Manager, Carlo Ancelotti looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Burnley FC at Goodison Park on December 26, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

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Liverpool 0-5 Aston Villa player ratings Sepp van den Berg

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Jonathan Kodija of Aston Villa is challenged by Sepp Van Den Berg of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 17, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

James Milner, Sepp van den Berg, Joe Gomez, Ki-Jana Hoever

We have some heavy rotation across defence, but with Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip still out injured there won’t be as much as Klopp would have liked. The big news is that Virgil van Dijk will probably stand down in order to keep him fresh for more important fixtures, and that means youngster Sepp van den Berg will continue his Liverpool education.

Van den Berg had a tough time of it against Arsenal and was in the defence that conceded five away to Aston Vila, but this will be a much stronger side than the one that lost to Villa and he will have Joe Gomez alongside him.

Gomez has struggled for game time this campaign and should be kept in the side to make sure his fine run of form carries on. He will be one of the leaders in charge of keeping this young back four in check – but the former Charlton man will be helped by James Milner.

Milner normally plays during the cup fixtures as Klopp likes to put the old head in with the youngsters. Milly’s leadership and experience are vital and will help usher the team towards victory and the next round.

He’ll come in for Andy Robertson at left-back, a position he knows well.

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