The games keep coming thick and fast for Liverpool. On Tuesday night, for the third time in just seven days, more than 60,000 supporters will be packed inside Anfield to see Andoni Iraola's side in action. Well, the first two of these matches have produced contrasting outcomes, coming from behind to beat Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, followed by Saturday's miserable goalless draw against Fulham.
Next up, the record ten-times winners commence their Carabao Cup campaign, hosting a Tottenham Hotspur side yet to so much as score in the Premier League this season. As it is an EFL Cup tie, when addressing the media at AXA Training Centre on Monday lunchtime, Iraola was asked about how much he plans to rotate his starting lineup, and this is what he had to say:
"It's the third game [in seven days] it's the worst scenario in terms of schedule, we haven't been lucky... We have to get used to it. You can put the same players in every game. The problem is there will be a moment they are really tired and there is more risk of injury. "Andoni Iraola on rotation
The Basque head coach added that he has to "learn who is ready to play and who is ready to rest", noting that some players are capable of playing every three days, while not seeing a dip in performance level, nor increasing their chances of picking up an injury. Iraola also adds that some members of his squad have to have their minutes more carefully managed, conceding that "I had an idea" which players fall into which category, but that he is still finding out.
Earlier in the media conference, Iraola was asked about the important of the League Cup in Liverpool's list of priorities this season. While he refused to rank the competitions, he of course conceded that most would "prefer to win a Champions League and Premier League game", albeit noting that "there's no guarantee that is you rest players you're going to win the next one". The manager concluded by stating that he always wants " to win and play well, and that's what we are going to try tomorrow".
So, who are the Kopites in attendance, alongside 6,025 Spurs fans in the Anfield Road end, likely to see in action? Well, Iraola has already confirmed that Giorgi Mamardashvili, who he rates "very highly" will be the starting goalkeeper, with fit again Joe Gomez seeing some minutes in defence.
Others who were on the bench at the weekend, namely Wataru Endō, Jeremie Frimpong, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas are also poised to come in, albeit Iraola does not have a wide array of option. Nevertheless, whatever team he deploys, Liverpool should overcome a hapless Tottenham.
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