Liverpool look set to ring the changes for their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester City this evening (19.45).
With the busy festive period approaching, along with four players - Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones - all self-isolating after testing positive for Covid, it makes sense for Jurgen Klopp to shuffle his pack.
That’s not to say the Reds don’t want to win the clash. They’re just two wins away from reaching Wembley and will be well aware the carrot is dangling.
But the Foxes clash is a chance to give the fledgling talents who’re coming through the ranks at Anfield an opportunity to impress.
In the previous rounds of the competition, Liverpool have indeed handed chances to the emerging youngsters.
That could well be the case again against Brendan Rodgers’ outfit.
Here are the eight players who are most likely to play some part.
1. Marcelo Pitaluga
The Brazilian goalkeeper is currently serving as No.3 while Adrian is injured with a calf injury. Pitaluga, 18, is likely to deputise for Caoimhin Kelleher as Alisson Becker takes a night off. He won the under-17s cup with Brazil in November 2019 and featured nine times for the under-23s this season. Photo: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
2. Owen Beck
The Welsh youngster is Ian Rush’s great-nephew. He’s highly regarded at Anfield and came off the bench late against Preston in the previous round. With Andy Robertson suspended, it should be Beck who provides cover for Kostas Tsimikas. He’ll be hoping to get another cameo in the late stages if the game is wrapped up. Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
3. Conor Bradley
The right-back has featured twice for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup so far this season. He impressed on his debut against Norwich before coming off the bench and helping the Reds win at Preston. An option for Klopp if he wants to push Neco Williams further forward. Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
4. Tyler Morton
The midfielder was handed his full Premier League debut against Tottenham on Sunday. It was a huge compliment that Klopp opted to start him for a top-flight clash and he played several incisive passes throughout. It would be no surprise if Morton retains his spot anchoring the midfield against the Foxes and will be another learning curve. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images