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How Liverpool Should Tackle The EFL Cup

This coming midweek sees the reds begin their defence of the EFL Cup, West Ham get set to arrive at Anfield on Wednesday evening for their third-round tie. Given that Liverpool are the 10-time winners of the secondary English Cup competition, one would imagine that Arne Slot would want to make a strong impression on the undervalued tournament, as something that may produce a positive stepping stone towards ultimate success.

https://twitter.com/lfc/status/1828910579265982663?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

So far this season, injuries and fatigue have been largely limited at the AXA Training Centre, with only Harvey Elliott succumbing to anything beyond a minor complaint. Alisson Becker and Curtis Jones are the players which have encountered those minor problems, however, the hectic and upcoming schedule of games means that the depth of the squad must now be explored by the coaching staff, to ensure maximum availability is retained for the upcoming Premier League and Champions League fixtures.

Liverpool’s Likely Line Up For Third Round

My take on team selection listed below.

Liverpool’ Starting Eleven

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Joe Gomez (c)

LCB – Jarell Quansah

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

CM – Wataru Endō

CM – Trey Nyoni

CM – Curtis Jones

CM – Tyler Morton

RF – Federico Chiesa

CF – Diogo Jota

LF – Cody Gakpo

My hope is that in addition to the more senior assets gaining vital starting berths, that Trey Nyoni is also awarded significant minutes in this midweek encounter. In a shape that could shift to a box midfield (from the predominant 4-2-3-2), it would allow more solidity to a team that would be lacking in rhythm and familiarity for one another.

Though it is reasonable to have witnessed Arne Slot persevere with those he trusts most (thus far), squad management and allocation of playing minutes will now have to be evaluated game by game. The sports science department will no doubt be detailing any possible issues for individual assets, something that must be addressed and actioned for this upcoming League Cup encounter.

Darwin Núñez was explosive at the weekend and he should now be held back for another start at Wolves next Saturday, whereas I would happily endorse full scale changes that saw only Caoimhin Kelleher maintaining his place from the weekends 3-0 win against Bournemouth.

Would Elimination from The EFL Cup Be A Disaster?

The initial sting of any loss will always be a tough pill to swallow, however, with a Saturday evening game against Wolves coming just days later (Saturday at Molineux), there will surely be a necessity for major changes in the starting lineup against West Ham.

Photo: IMAGO

This predicament can of course create a poor team performance, though the rewards can later prove significant in allowing much needed rest to key individuals. The most vital component of this fixture (in my experience) is to ensure the current starting pieces are not overworked, whilst building the loads of those that have thus far been underutilised.

I am hopeful that given the positive momentum of Liverpool and the recent stuttering of the Hammers (West Ham lost 0-3 to Chelsea on Saturday), a win can be attained even with mass alterations. The deep and exciting bench of assets can be called upon by the reds Head Coach at any point, though given the positive vibes and enthusiasm of the fanbase under the Anfield lights, a fast start and coordinated attack can still get the job done without a late call to arms.

It has been an exciting watch to see the first team elite prosper, now it is time to brief those on the outside, desperate to be let in.

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