8 Changes Expected: Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea| EFL Cup
Liverpool turn their attention to the EFL Cup on Wednesday when they entertain Chelsea at Anfield.
Since tasting a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at home, the Reds have registered five wins on the bounce in all competitions. Andoni Iraola’s side most recently beat an impressive Brighton & Hove Albion side to register their first Premier League win at Anfield this season.
Brimming with confidence, Liverpool will be backed by Andoni Iraola to reach the last eight of the EFL Cup at the expense of Chelsea, who were outplayed 2-0 by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League at the weekend.
Liverpool Team News
Florian Wirtz was forced off with an ankle knock in the 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday. Andoni Iraola is hopeful it is not a serious injury, but Wirtz will be assessed before the midweek cup fixture.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are still recovering from their respective issues after the duo missed the Brighton game.
Jeremie Frimpong has recently been sidelined until late November with a muscle problem.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Keeping in mind the upcoming weekend’s Premier League game against champions Arsenal, Iraola could ring changes to his side in midweek. Alisson Becker is expected to get a night off, with Giorgi Mamardashvili deputising in goal in the Liverpool lineup.
Defence
In front of Mamardashvili, Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Virgil van Dijk could get a rest as well, which will see Ronald Araujo move from right-back to centre-back position in the Liverpool lineup.
As a result, the Uruguayan should partner Jeremy Jacquet at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, with Kostas Tsimikas replacing Milos Kerkez at left-back.
The Liverpool defence will back themselves to contain a Chelsea attack that is set to be without the suspended Cole Palmer and injured Joao Pedro.
Midfield
Trey Nyoni could be entrusted with a start in midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, with Alexis Mac Allister dropping to the bench. If Wirtz is missing, James McConnell could be drafted in to play higher up the pitch in the Liverpool lineup.
With Nyoni and Gravenberch sitting behind, McConnell will get the license to roam freely and create opportunities in the final third.
Attack
Alexander Isak has been in fine form this term, with six goals in seven Premier League appearances. However, with the Arsenal game at the weekend, Iraola might opt to rest Isak and start Lewis Koumas up top.
Bradley Barcola could retain his place on the left in the Liverpool lineup, and Rio Ngumoha has proven to be a trusted deputy on the right. If Munoz attains fitness, he’d be an option to come off the bench and bring some flair and pace to the Reds’ attack.
Cody Gakpo will also be a potent weapon in the second half.
football formations
8 Changes Expected: Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup vs Chelsea| EFL Cup 1
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