Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could name a second-string lineup against Cardiff City in the FA Cup clash, while Luis Diaz is unlikely to feature.
Liverpool are back in action after a two-week winter break. They will take on Championship strugglers Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth-round clash, as the Reds aim towards advancing to the next phase of the competition.
Jurgen Klopp remains eager to write his name among managers to win the FA Cup but could be ready to experiment with his lineup against the Bluebirds. The German boss could name a squad of second-string stars, including a few experienced heads to balance it out.
Liverpool vs Cardiff City Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Divock Origi and Thiago Alcantara are doubts for this encounter, with the latter likely to sit this one out with a chest infection. Meanwhile, Naby Keita is back with the group after returning from international duty. At the same time, key duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane remain away with their national side at the AFCON.
The winter break gave Liverpool a chance to evaluate the condition of Harvey Elliot’s fitness, who has returned to full training despite sustaining a fractured ankle in September. The youngster is expected to be in the squad for Cardiff, as Klopp reflected on his progress saying: “He is in a good place and is in full team training now, but we have to see what is right for him – is it right to start [or] is it right to come on?”
The manager also touched upon new signing Luis Diaz, although it seems likely that the Colombian will not be in contention for Cardiff. Klopp said, “If he would have been here yesterday [Thursday] and could have trained a little bit, I would have considered it definitely. Now, I don’t know. Let’s have a look. I wouldn’t say no because I would be excited as well. A few minutes in a sold-out Anfield is nice. But let’s see.”
Caoimhin Kelleher could start in goal, with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate ahead in central defence. Klopp could give Conor Bradley a chance at right-back while resting Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Kostas Tsimikas will likely replace Andy Robertson on the opposite flank.
Veteran James Milner could captain the side and lead the charge from midfield, with Tyler Morton and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to partner him. There could be a few solid options on the bench, which the manager could call upon if necessary.
While Roberto Firmino is a sure starter to lead the line, Klopp could experiment by opting for Curtis Jones on the left and teenager Kaide Gordon on the right side of the attack for the cup tie.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Gomez, Konate, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Morton, Milner, Gordon, Firmino, Jones
