Predicted Starting XI for EFL Cup SF 2nd leg

Liverpool head to Craven Cottage on Wednesday to try and secure their spot in the League Cup Final at Wembley. The Reds hold a 2-1 aggregate advantage so there is still everything to play for in this one.

As I wrote previously, I want Jurgen Klopp to field a strong side that can put this tie to bed early so there is no stresses later on. Liverpool is also getting healthy at the right time, although Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai will probably miss out.

This match taking place on Wednesday was a nice draw for the Reds as they should be plenty rested from their comfortable victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Here is the Starting XI I expect to see against Fulham:

Forwards: Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo

Midfield: Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott

Defense: Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley

As much as I would love to see a returning Andy Robertson from the start, I don't think it would be prudent after only a day or two of full training. I fully expect to see him come on at some point in the second half though.

Gakpo has earned his starting spot as he has been Liverpool's most clinical finisher in this competition. Luis Diaz could make for a nice super sub if it is needed in the last 20 minutes or so.

The midfield brings enough variety and dynamism that they can adapt to different styles of play depending on how things go. Macca in particular can control the pace of everything which could be key in a raucous venue.

Whoever gets the start in this one will need to be on their A-game from opening kickoff. Fulham are going to come out with their hair on fire and the Reds must be ready.

Score a goal early and Liverpool could turn this into a comfortable affair.