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Liverpool’s Predicted Lineup Ahead of FA Cup Fifth Round

Following their Carabao Cup triumph on Sunday, Liverpool host Southampton in the FA Cup Fifth Round. The Reds will have all eyes on another trip to Wembley as they look to give Jurgen Klopp the farewell campaign that he deserves.

A victory on Wednesday would see Liverpool progress into the Quarter-Final of the competition and within one win of a return to Wembley. However, Klopp currently has an enormous injury list that he will be eager to avoid any additional damage.

With eyes surely on Liverpool’s pursuit of the Premier League title, Klopp is expected to name a heavily rotated side. Today, we’re going to be predicting Liverpool’s starting lineup ahead of Wednesday’s game.

Cup-Winner Caoimhin

Caoimhin Kelleher put in a simply wold-class performance in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Final victory over Chelsea on Sunday. The Irishman will likely remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable, with a long-term injury to Alisson Becker.

Photo: IMAGO

With Joe Gomez playing a total of 100 minutes on Sunday, Conor Bradley will likely get the nod to start at right-back. This would mean Gomez would be fresh for Liverpool’s game at Nottingham Forest next weekend.

Bradley will be partnered by Kostas Tsimikas on the other side of defence, who will replace Andy Robertson in the starting lineup. Despite his unbelievable Wembley antics, Virgil van Dijk will be rested and Jarrell Quansah will take his place. The young defender will likely be joined by Ibou Konate at the heart of the defence.

Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas

Youngsters’ Hard-Earned Opportunities

After stellar performances to see Liverpool lift the Carabao Cup on Sunday, both Bobby Clark and James McConnell will both come into the starting lineup. Both Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch picked up injuries in the final, so will come out of the lineup.

Photo: IMAGO

With Liverpool’s midfield options looking slimmer with each game, I struggle to see Alexis Mac Allister being risked from the start for this one. Therefore, Harvey Elliott will be the third central midfielder to create an incredibly young trio.

Verdict: McConnell, Clark, Elliott

Gordon’s Return

Wednesday could be an opportunity for 19-year-old Kaide Gordon to return to the Liverpool lineup. The youngster hasn’t featured since Liverpool’s defeat at Union Saint-Gilloise back in December, but an array of injuries may have forced Klopp’s hand.

Gordon will likely be partnered by academy partner Jayden Danns, who could be set for his first start in a Liverpool shirt. Danns has impressed in his two substitute appearances for and will be eager to grab his first senior goal.

Photo: IMAGO

Alongside the two youngsters, Cody Gakpo will provide some much needed experience to the front line. The Dutchman has struggled for consistency so far this season, but injuries have provided him with a brilliant opportunity.

Verdict: Gordon, Danns, Gakpo

Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas, McConnell, Clark, Elliott, Gordon, Danns, Gakpo

Bench: Adrian, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Koumas, Nyoni, Nunez, Salah

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