The three Liverpool fringe players who have to take their chance against Preston in Carabao Cup

The Reds fringe men need to give a good account of themselves at Deepdale.
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Jurgen Klopp is set to ring the changes when Liverpool travel to Preston North End in the Carabao Cup fourth round this evening.

It’s a chance for the Reds’ fringe players to impress their manage and try to force their way into his plans in the Premier League.

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Here are the three players who need to catch the eye more than others.

Joe Gomez

The centre-back's stock has fallen somewhat at Anfield.

After returning from a long-term knee injury, Gomez has been unable to fight his way back into Klopp's side.

The 24-year-old has yet to make a Premier League start this season and played just six times in all competitions.

Joel Matip has been Virgil van Dijk's main partner throughout the campaign.

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However, Ibrahima Konate was given the nod for the 5-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday when Matip was given a breather.

There are reports that Gomez is becoming concerned that his lack of game-time will see him miss out on a place in England's 2022 World Cup squad.

A big performance is required if he's not only to give Klopp food for thought but Gareth Southgate.

Takumi Minamino

Takumi Minamino celebrates scoring Liverpool’s first goal at Norwich. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty ImagesTakumi Minamino celebrates scoring Liverpool’s first goal at Norwich. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Takumi Minamino celebrates scoring Liverpool’s first goal at Norwich. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

It's approaching two years since the Japan international moved to Anfield.

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However, it's hard to pinpoint any real standout moment of Minamino's Liverpool career.

There was plenty of excitement about his arrival in January 2020, having starred against the Reds for Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.

Yet Minamino has failed to come anywhere near those heights.

In total, he's played just 33 times, scoring six goals, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton.

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The forward has yet to play in the Premier League this season because of the form of Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Minamino bagged a brace in the last round against Norwich and has to produce a similar performance if he's to convince Klopp he can play in the top flight.

Neco Williams

Liverpool youngster Neco Williams. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesLiverpool youngster Neco Williams. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Liverpool youngster Neco Williams. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The 20-year-old has gone somewhat under the radar this season.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold undisputed first choice right-back, Williams has had to be patient this season.

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To make matters worse, he spent the early part of the season injured and was unavailable to deputise for Alexander-Arnold when he missed games against Crystal Palace, Porto and Manchester City.

Williams is a high-class operator in his own right and already played 15 times for Wales at a tender age.

This term, he's made two appearances off the bench and will now be looking to take his chance.

Should he stand out then Klopp may look at giving Alexander-Arnold respite more often and hand Williams more regular chances.