Really looking forward to this one, something completely different to what we're used to.
Certainly won't be writing the lads off - they proved against Arsenal that they're good enough to stand up & be counted so they're definitely capable of an upset here.
Just thinking of how bizzare it's going to be for Klopp & the lads over in Qatar - all sitting there watching Liverpool play in a quarter final on the TV. Will be like an out of body experience!
I am looking forward to the game and it's a great opportunity for our young players, I just have no expectations for it.
You mention Arsenal - here is the team we sent out to draw 5-5 with them:
Kelleher (will be at Villa)
Williams (will
not be at Villa)
Van den Berg (there)
Gomez (not there)
Milner (not there)
Lallana (not there)
Keita (not there)
Oxlaide-Chamberlain (not there)
Elliott (there)
Origi (not there)
Brewster (
probably not there - injured).
subs who came on were Curtis Jones (not there) and Pedro Chirivella (there)
So if you're counting, only 3 of the 11 we sent out against Arsenal, plus one sub, will be on hand for tomorrow's game.
It's going to be a lot of U23s and even some U18s in the lineup, including maybe 4 or 5 senior debuts, and nobody who has played as many as 5 senior games except possibly Pedro Chirivella.
Saying all of that, Klopp says the following today about the team's chances vs. Villa:
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, the boss said: "It's good. Tomorrow night we start with watching the other semi-final live in the stadium, I think it should be possible. And then we will leave there a bit earlier and sit here in front of the television and watch that game.
"It will be absolutely exciting. I'm really delighted for the boys.
"I know how a lot of people in the public see it, but if all the football games would be decided before we start, only because of the perception of the people, then most of the games wouldn't be played. I believe, I'm a big believer in everybody has a chance.
"From the boys' point of view, if I would be in their boots I would be excited like hell, looking forward to it like hell, run for my life, all that stuff.
"Of course we took two players away because of our own situation, we needed to have at least 16 players. So Neco and Curtis, two important players for that team, are now here with us, that was not to change it. But apart from that, just give it a proper try and we will sit and will be with them."
Klopp continued: "All our thoughts are with them, the more experienced players are looking forward to it to watch the game and shout them forward from here.
"Whatever we can do we will do, but Critch and his staff and the boys, I'm sure they're really looking forward to it and will enjoy it.
"You can only enjoy football if you work hard and go for the result ā whichever result it will be. Aston Villa is the big favourite, that's clear, but who cares? It's football and the ball rolls in each direction, that's pretty cool."
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