Home
News
Predicting Liverpool’s starting XI to face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup

Predicting Liverpool’s starting XI to face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup

Andy Headspeath 31 Oct 2023, 12:06 Last modified: 31 Oct 2023

Liverpool go into Wednesday night's clash at Bournemouth with a chance to book their place in the last eight of the Carabao Cup.

England's other domestic cup competition might not be top of the priorities for Jurgen Klopp this season, but the Carabao Cup can quickly look less like a needless schedule clogger and more like attainable silverware when the final is just a couple more wins away.

The Reds have a great chance to keep up the hunt for a record-extending tenth trophy with a trip to strugglers Bournemouth.

Andoni Iraola's Cherries have won just once in the Premier League this season and lost 3-1 to Liverpool back in August.

The game brings more opportunities for Liverpool's young and fringe stars, but who is set to get the nod this Wednesday night?

Here's how Liverpool could line up.

YOUNGSTERS IN AT THE BACK

Having started the Reds' other Carabao Cup fixture against Leicester back in September, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to keep his place as cup keeper at the Vitality Stadium, despite an iffy display last time out in the Europa League against Toulouse.

In front of him, there could be more chances for young duo Jarell Quansah (20) and Luke Chambers (19) – the latter having made his Liverpool debut during that win over Toulouse.

More experienced heads Joe Gomez and Joel Matip may be rotated in to give rest time to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

Another academy star Calum Scanlon may also be in line for game time too.

CHANGES IN MIDFIELD

Wataru Endo appears to be growing into his role at Liverpool and has impressed in recent showings – not least with his first goal for the club in the 5-1 victory against Toulouse.

The Japan captain got an assist in the previous Carabao Cup round against Leicester and may keep his place as the defensive midfielder on Wednesday night.

Either side of him could be English duo Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, who have impressed this season despite now competing with £145m worth of new talent in midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are likely to get some respite as the fixture schedule ramps up.

However, 19-year-old James McConnell – another who made his senior debut against Toulouse – could also earn minutes here.

ROTATING ATTACK

Luis Diaz is likely to remain absent while the distressing situation regarding his father's kidnapping continues in Colombia.

With the winger out of action for horrific reasons, Klopp has a choice of three from four in attack – assuming Ben Doak is also unavailable, having been absent from all matchday squads since the picking up a knock during the international break.

Cody Gakpo is a good bet to start as the central striker, saving in-form Darwin Nuñez for the weekend trip to Luton. Mohamed Salah – fresh from his 11th place Ballon d'Or placement on Monday night – could line up alongside Diogo Jota, though Elliott, too, could be another option to push up into the front three and rest one of the big hitters.