Liverpool has a huge game against Tottenham coming up in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, as Andoni Iraola looks to put Saturday's disappointing draw with Fulham behind him
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The EFL Cup campaign gets underway for Liverpool on Tuesday, as the Reds enter at the third round stage, facing off against Tottenham in a tricky first test.
Andoni Iraola's side will play host to Spurs at Anfield, where plenty of the home faithful will be hoping for a better performance than the one they saw in a goalless draw against Fulham in the Premier League just a few days prior.
While Liverpool has had its struggles early on this season, Tottenham has seemingly found it even tougher to compete after a huge summer of spending. In the league, Spurs have still failed to score a first goal of the campaign, picking up just two points in the opening four games of the season.
The EFL Cup could be a welcome respite for Roberto De Zerbi as a result, with Spurs winning 5-1 against Charlton in the previous round of the competition to book their clash with Liverpool.
Both managers will have tough decisions when it comes to their starting lineups for the match, with some debate surrounding whether to truly go all out for the win, or whether to rotate and balance the team during a hectic part of the season.
The chances are that the head coaches will go for a mixed approach, especially Iraola, after he admitted at the weekend that some of his players were lacking freshness during a busy period of matches that is seeing Liverpool play every few days.
Starting in goal for the Reds, the manager has already revealed that Giorgi Mamardashvili will start between the sticks, giving the Georgian shot-stopper a chance to impress after a spell of watching Alisson play instead.
Giorgi Mamardashvili in action for Liverpool during a preseason friendly
Giorgi Mamardashvili is battling to become Liverpool's No.1 goalkeeper(Image: Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Changes are expected in the backline, with Jeremie Frimpong likely to be given another chance at right-back, after he was snubbed for the past three games.
Both Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet have started every game so far, so expect one, if not both, to drop out. In this instance, Ronald Araujo could replace the former, though a lack of other fit and available centre-back options may keep the latter in the team. Despite a difficult start last time out, Kostas Tsimikas could get another chance at left-back.
The midfield could see the most change. Youngster Trey Nyoni could finally get a shot at playing from the start after an impressive season, while Ryan Gravenberch could partner him to give Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister a break. While Florian Wirtz could have a rest too, his lack of form may mean he starts as the number ten to try and pick up some momentum.
On the wings, Rio Ngumoha could get another shot in the team on the left, giving Bradley Barcola a chance to impact from the bench. The opposite flank is lacking in options, so Victor Munoz could feature, even though Cody Gakpo is available again after an injury issue.
Alexander Isak has started every game so far this season, so naturally his fitness and injury situation is a concern. That could see Lewis Koumas given a chance at centre-forward, while usual replacement Federico Chiesa is out injured.
Liverpool predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Jacquet, Araujo, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Nyoni; Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Koumas.