Jurgen Klopp will once again ring the changes against West Ham in the FA Cup tomorrow, with the Premier League fixture against Leicester City on Tuesday regarded as a priority, the Echo claim.
James Pearce says that Dejan Lovren is likely to make his return from injury and could partner Steven Caulker in central defence, with the loanee eligible to make his first Liverpool start.
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In midfield, Joe Allen will get a start following his League Cup heroics, and it’s nothing less than the Welshman deserves following excellent recent form. Allen’s bagged twice in recent weeks and also scored the spot-kick which won us the semi-final against Stoke in the shoot-out.
The Echo says Christian Benteke will lead the line, while Jordon Ibe will get the nod out wide and interestingly – Brad Smith will get another opportunity ahead of Alberto Moreno on the left of defence.
The young Aussie has done very well whenever called upon, and another good performance at Anfield on Saturday will heap more pressure on a defensively frail Moreno.
Pearce goes on to claim that Teixeira and Brannagan are in consideration, while Jon Flanagan might get the nod again after making his first start in 20 months.
It sounds like regular starters such as Nathaniel Clyne, Moreno, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana will be rested ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium – which considering the number of matches we’ve played in January – is probably sensible.
With a League Cup Final and Europa League fixtures in February, the FA Cup is realistically our least important competition right now.