Liverpool travel to Lincoln City tonight as the Premier League champions launch their Carabao Cup campaign.
Having fielded young sides in previous seasons under Jurgen Klopp, and after being forced to field a youth side against Aston Villa last year with the majority of the squad on FIFA Club World Cup duty in Qatar, could the Reds have a genuine tilt at domestic cup glory this term?
With added squad depth following three summer arrivals and without many departures to date, Klopp’s squad could be preparing to fight on all four trophy fronts.
The opposition, League One Lincoln City, have begun their season in brilliant form and are yet to drop a single point in the league under former Leicester City manager Michael Appleton.
Following a strong start to their title defence, Liverpool will hope to continue the positivity and advance into the fourth round where a home encounter with Monday night’s Premier League opponents, Arsenal, awaits.
Here’s how we think Klopp will line up his side.
GK- Adrian
Signed as backup and for cup competitions before being called into Premier League action last term.
RB - Neco Williams
We should get a first glimpse of the young Welshman this season after he made an impact during the 2019/20 run-in. Recently scored his first international goal
CB - Sepp Van Den Berg
With Liverpool light on fit centre-backs, expect to see a young pairing with the Dutchman getting a chance to shine.
CB - Rhys Williams
Fresh from signing a new contract, young Rhys Williams is set to make his debut for The Reds.
LB - Kostas Tsimikas
Likely to make his first appearance for the club after signing this summer. Interesting to see how worthy an understudy to Andy Robertson the Greek can be.
CM - James Milner
Should take the armband and look to marshall an inexperienced team through the clash.
CM - Marko Grujic
It’s been a long time since the Serbian was seen in Red having spent two seasons away on loan. Could be no more than a shop window outing.
CM - Curtis Jones
Likely to feature having been in and around the Premier League side, including an opening day substitute appearance.
RW - Xherdan Shaqiri
Lesser seen but has been back in full training for a short while now. Could be of use to the squad but equally could perhaps be moving on.
LW - Divock Origi
Needs more first-team action now and may find his chances limited with the arrival of Diogo Jota. Must impress in these types of matches
CF - Takumi Minamino
Has started t show his worth in recent fleeting appearances. An opportunity to impress from the start mustn’t be underestimated
Substitutes
Not usually worthy of a mention but this is a special occasion. We could see Thiago and Diogo Jota both feature from the bench as they kickstart their Liverpool careers. Kelleher, Phillips, Thiago, Elliot, Jota, Wijnaldum, Robertson