Pre Match: MK Dons v Liverpool (League Cup 3rd Round)

My starting 11 for Wednesday night...

Kelleher
Hoever
Gomez
Sepp
Milner
Lallana
Chamberlin
Keita (if fit)
Shaq
Brewster
Elliott

My starting 11 for Wednesday night...

Kelleher
Hoever
Gomez
Sepp
Milner
Lallana
Chamberlin
Keita (if fit)
Shaq
Brewster
Elliott

He won't select Sepp over Lovren.

Kelleher
Hoever. Gomez. Lovren. Milner
            Kane. Lallana.  Ox
Shaqiri.   Brewster.    Jones
Subs adrian, henderson, keita, larouchi,  Elliott, matip, salah

Kelleher
Hoever, Gomez, Lovren, Milner
Lallana, Ox, Keita
Shaqiri, Brewster, Jones

Subs, Adrian, Matip, Sepp, Larouchi/Lewis, Hendo, Elliot, Salah

Would be my guess.

Surely he'll play Adrian in goal. I reckon one of Mane, Bobby or Salah will play at least half a match.

Surely he'll play Adrian in goal. I reckon one of Mane, Bobby or Salah will play at least half a match.

Don't think so. Kelleher was meant to get some game time in pre-season but then got injured, plus he has played well since he recovered so it's a good chance for him. If we can't play a keeper who looks quite promising like Kelleher against a side like MK Dons then that player will probably never have a future with us IMO. At the moment Adrian is our first choice with Alisson out, why risk him against MK Dons, if he gets injured we are in trouble.

Mane wont play because of the knock from the Chavs, then it's a good chance to rest Bobby and Salah for some massive games coming up before there is yet again another International break which is then followed by games vs Spurs and City. Salah or Bobby will be on the bench but I think something will have to have gone very wrong for them to be put on the pitch.

This game is our only real chance to rest some key players before what becomes a very hectic schedule for the players.

Kelleher
Hoever, Gomez, Lovren, Milner
Lallana, Ox, Keita
Shaqiri, Brewster, Jones

Subs, Adrian, Matip, Sepp, Larouchi/Lewis, Hendo, Elliot, Salah

Would be my guess.

You, FK10 and hoganov are all doubtless close to pegging the team Jürgen will select. We'd all like to think a team of our backups can beat a League One team, and they should.

Biggest questions are probably whether Origi will be fit and whether Keita will be on from the start.

Another question would include whether to involve Hoever. I'd love to see it myself because I think he's a huge talent, but he's had some high and low moments already for the U23s. He makes a great run forward and can serve a good ball, but he's also made some really poor decisions with the ball when deep in his own end, leading to goals for the opposition.

I think Yasser Larouci is injured at the moment so may not be available.

If Keita and/or Origi are not available to start, Curtis Jones is most likely as he's been consistently good for the U23s so far.

Don't be too shocked if Leighton Clarkson is in the 18. He's been training with the first team and in fact was with them on Saturday when the U18s had a match at Kirkby.  Not sure why they would do that if they didn't have something specific in mind for one of the two matches on Wednesday.

We do have Andy Lonergan on the books. I would expect him to be the backup GK rather than Adrian, mainly to give Adrian a more complete rest, which is the main function of this match in the big picture. Actually I"d like for all of the normal starting XI to be given the night off altogether, including bench duties.

Jürgen might also opt to play a few of the regular starters vs. Dons and then rotate those players out the following match on t h weekend vs Sheffield United. I could see him using one of Matip or Virgil on Wednesday and then having Gomez spell the other one vs. Blades. Gomez Trent and Robbo could stagger their day off in the same way - or Sadio and Mo. But as I say, I'd prefer Jürgen just rest everybody on Wednesday.

This will also mean the team selected to play in the EFL Trophy the same night vs. Fleetwood Town's first team, will draw much deeper from the U23 and U18 ranks.

Saying that, I'm always curious how the lesser-used players will do. Hopefully they put in a strong performance and give themselves another opportunity to play in the next round.

We'd all like to think a team of our backups can beat a League One team, and they should.

To be fair, it's not exactly like Gomez, Lovren, Milner, Shaqiri, Lallana, Ox and Keita have spent their entire career so far as backup. These are all players who have played a part in us becoming CL winners...well not so much Lallana and Ox but you get what I'm saying. If they are backup players, there is a lot worse we could have, just look at our backups when Klopp first arrived. Then I wouldn't be so confident, that's for sure.

To be fair, it's not exactly like Gomez, Lovren, Milner, Shaqiri, Lallana, Ox and Keita have spent their entire career so far as backup. These are all players who have played a part in us becoming CL winners...well not so much Lallana and Ox but you get what I'm saying. If they are backup players, there is a lot worse we could have, just look at our backups when Klopp first arrived. Then I wouldn't be so confident, that's for sure.

Agree 100%. I think part of this (My error here) is that in UK "backups" used to or still does mean Reserve Team players. I'm using it more, especially with those players you mention, as guys who are on the substitute bench for recent games, which is probably more American.

It is still a strong team the three of you name and at least three of the players you cite above should still have a major part top play in any success our team has this season.

My only thoughts on this game is to rest our starters as best as possible, I really don’t care about this competition, and I don’t mean to be disrespectful to it, but PL (number 19) and CL (number 7) are my biggest priorities  for this team

Yeah not fussed about Team Selection here, give the lads who have been on the bench a much needed run out. Get the Win and move on.

Kelleher
Hoever
Gomez
Lovren
Milner
Lallana
Ox
Jones (Naby if ready)
Shaq
Elliott
Brewster

Would actually enjoy watching that side.

Can we please add date and time of KO in the Thread Title?

I'm excited to see the team selection and starting lineup for this one, unlike the rest of our games where there's little excitement about the lineup because you know who our starters, particularly in back 4 and front 3. Midfield is the only area where you kind of wonder who Klopp will select.

I notice nobody is picking Origi. Is he confirmed out for this game?

I notice nobody is picking Origi. Is he confirmed out for this game?

Not sure but I do know he's cut his dreads off!

Not sure but I do know he's cut his dreads off!

Sharp

Is everyone listed in the team selections registered to play in the PL?

Edit
Answering my own question Lewis and Larouchi don’t appear to be

Not sure but I do know he's cut his dreads off!

Nice fade by Origi...

First 11 should not be no where near this game today, they need a break, allow the subs done game time today..

Put herbie kane in my team as he did well at doncaster last season and will have experience of league one football.

           Kelleher
Hoever Gomez Lovren Milner
     Naby Gini Lallana
   AOC Brewster Shaq

Really looking forward to seeing some of these guys starting.

Really, Honestly, who gives a F**k about the Carabao, coca cola rumbelows cup, Yes I know we should give our all when entering any cup comp but, if there was a real carrot dangled for eventual winners I really can't see the point in Prem teams in particular entering it in the first place,
IMO, it should be left to those below the prem to fight it out,
Prem teams for the most part field weakened sides so therefore don't fully commit to actually wanting to win it, otherwise they would field stronger teams to sort of guarantee progressing to the next round,

Why not do away with one of the relegation places, replace it with the winners of the League cup in a kind of play off, bottom two drop as normal but third bottom play the league cup winners in a one off final, winner gets Prem status,

Alternatively,  if the bigger clubs do  enter why not make it so as only the ressies play in it  like a cup final for the Prem 2 sides,...and those players recovering from injury..gaining game time ?....

Anyhoo,
                   Kelleher
   Hoever Gomez Lovren Milner(c)
Lallana         AOC     Wijnaldom
   Shaqiri      Brewster      Elliot

Should be good enough to proceed


Just win



YNWA

He won't select Sepp over Lovren.

THIS.

Woodburn & Jones might start BTW.

Surely he'll play Adrian in goal. I reckon one of Mane, Bobby or Salah will play at least half a match.

nah. Mane defo out, Bobbi needs rested, wrapped on cotton whool.
and Id say after sundays game wee Mo could do with a rest, he maybe on bench though, as theres a lack of strikers with Origi being Injured.

Hoever and Brewster are a pair of good shouts. 

I expect Robertson to be given a rest so we could see Gomez at left back, meaning that maybe only one of VVD and Matip is rested.

Wouldn't be inclined to have too many players from outside the normal 18 man squad.  Stick with Adrian in goal.

Shame Bobby Duncan has gone.  Could have played some first team football here instead of playing for Fiorentina's Under 19's.

After hearing Shaq, Mane and Origi are out, and Kelleher is likely to start, I can see us playing this team:

MK Dons v Liverpool

Kelleher

Hoever
Gomez
Lovren
Larouci

Milner (c)
Lallana
Wijnaldum

Oxlade-Chamberlain
Brewster
Jones

Subs:

Lonergan
Alexander-Arnold
Van Den Berg
Keita
Elliott
Salah
Firmino

It will be nice to see some of the younger/fringe players given a chance to show what they can do, especially Hoever and Brewster.

Would be nice to see Elliott and Keita come off the bench too.

Don’t think we will have a problem here, but these lads need to be on their game ⚽️

https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1176477381005107200?s=19

https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1176477355793100800?s=19

Keita, then.

From what Lijnders has been saying there is no Origi, Shaq or Mane.

Kelleher, Brewster and Elliott look nailed on starters.

Roll on the changes. Doubt this lineup, but would be great to give everyone of the starting 11 a rest;

    Lallana         Brewster       Elliot
              Keita     Milner    Chamberlain
Larouci       Lovren        Gomez     Hoever
                          Kellerher

Naby looking like starting now.

Fancy Milner, ox & Lallana to be the experienced MF starters.

Maybe Milner at LB ?

Lallana as the Holding no.6. ?


so..... for fun...

                 Brewster
         The Ox            Elliot
         Keita   Lallana    Jones
Milner     Lovren   Gomez  Hoever
                   Kellerher

Is it me or do we often see when these fringe players come to a game where they will actually play, they get injured? have seen it with Lovren, Origi, Lallana and now for this game, Shaq (and Divock again)

I don't think Larouci is in contention for this, so we probably see Milner at one full back spot. Curtis Jones has been playing some at forward for the U23s so I hope to see him start up front Wednesday.

Naby looking like starting now.

Fancy Milner, ox & Lallana to be the experienced MF starters.

Maybe Milner at LB ?

Lallana as the Holding no.6. ?


so..... for fun...

                 Brewster
         The Ox            Elliot
         Keita   Lallana    Jones
Milner     Lovren   Gomez  Hoever
                   Kellerher

Switch Ox with Curtis Jones and i think you have it.

I'm pretty comfident we'll win this tonight. Not expecting an upset, but worse things have happened. my dilemma is predicting the score when we're not sure who'll start!
Its not due to lack of quality, more that the fringe players train together ok but not often play a full match together. Also, while trying to impress the manager hoping for a more regular start, individuals do sometimes over do it a bit. The fluency isn't always there, losing possession when trying the extra  turn, etc etc. MK Dons are also pretty physical and like to mix it a bit.
 We could be battling for a  1 or 2-0 win, or we could be cruising to a 6 or 8-nil win.   What on earth are we supposed to think 

 Anyone dared to post an upset in the predictions yet   

I'm pretty comfident we'll win this tonight. Not expecting an upset, but worse things have happened. my dilemma is predicting the score when we're not sure who'll start!
Its not due to lack of quality, more that the fringe players train together ok but not often play a full match together. Also, while trying to impress the manager hoping for a more regular start, individuals do sometimes over do it a bit. The fluency isn't always there, losing possession when trying the extra  turn, etc etc. MK Dons are also pretty physical and like to mix it a bit.
 We could be battling for a  1 or 2-0 win, or we could be cruising to a 6 or 8-nil win.   What on earth are we supposed to think 

 Anyone dared to post an upset in the predictions yet   

The game is tmrw evening. 

Switch Ox with Curtis Jones and i think you have it.

 

The game is tmrw evening. 

Yeah, brez, sorry all, I really thought we were playing tonight, right up until about 7:30.  Ha Ha.
Anyway, we are still in it. Spurs ain’t 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Shaq can't catch a break this season can he.

Shaq can't catch a break this season can he.

Can’t get a game for love nor money and then finally an opportunity and he is injured.

Shaq can't catch a break this season can he.

Is he injured again ?

Kelleher

Hoever
Gomez
Lovren
Larouci

Milner
Lallana
Keita

Oxlade
Brewster
Elliott

Very hard to get a game these days with the team very settled bar midfield rotation so these lads need to perform to give Klopp something to think about.

Great chance for some of the young lads to show their worth, in fact the league Cup might be the only chance they get this season, so its important we get the win to give them more games in the team.

Gone for a 2  0 win for the lads, although do not know how seriously Klopp is taking this competition. Hope which ever side is picked, turn up with a positive attitude.

Shaq can't catch a break this season can he.

Bad luck for him, but sounds like Naby will be fit which is good news..

Looking forward to this tonight.

Looks like 11 changes tonight and all regulars left at home .

Looks like 11 changes tonight and all regulars left at home .

Fully expected that.

But with likes of Gomez,  Lovren, Lallana, ox, Naby, theres plenty experience in there as well as the young lads.

Shaq is injured so he's out. I think we'll see some youngsters, at least on the bench, interesting to see if Elliott plays a part.

According to the echo expect to see sepp, kelleher, elliott, herbie kane, leighton clarkson and luis longstaff tonight.

According to the echo expect to see sepp, kelleher, elliott, herbie jane, leighton clarkson and luis longstaff tonight.

Yeah, his first priority in selection seems to be letting the regulars stay home tonight. I didn't expect the likes of Kane and Longstaff to be included. If it is true that Keita is on the bench at the start, we might even see Clarkson in the starting XI, as I think Milner has to be used at fullback.

Yeah, his first priority in selection seems to be letting the regulars stay home tonight. I didn't expect the likes of Kane and Longstaff to be included. If it is true that Keita is on the bench at the start, we might even see Clarkson in the starting XI, as I think Milner has to be used at fullback.

Would be such a hassle for some first teamers to travel to the game and sit on the bench, would that affect them in a negative way?

Yeah, brez, sorry all, I really thought we were playing tonight, right up until about 7:30.  Ha Ha.
Anyway, we are still in it. Spurs ain’t 😂😂😂😂😂😂

NP.   thats annoying, when you get pumped up to watch a game.

Would be such a hassle for some first teamers to travel to the game and sit on the bench, would that affect them in a negative way?

Man, you truly look hard for things to complain about.

My starting 11 for Wednesday night...

Kelleher
Hoever
Gomez
Sepp
Milner
Lallana
Chamberlin
Keita (if fit)
Shaq
Brewster
Elliott

I think Shaqiri is out injured with a minor tear,
and reckon Lovren gets the nod in defence.


                      Kelleher

Hoever    Gomez       Lovren     Milner

           Ox       Lallana       Keita

         Elliott     Brewster     Jones


or

                      Kelleher

Hoever     Gomez      Lovren     Larouchi

                Milner       Keita

    Elliott             Ox              Jones

                     Brewster

It is disappointing for players like Shaqiri and Origi who picked up injuries during the period of time when they are likely going to get minutes. Similar thing happened to both Lallana and Lovren last season who oddly enough will be getting a run out which I am looking forward to see (along with Gomez).

Hopefully players use this opportunity go put up a good showing and a run in this competition will help these players get more minutes as the season roles on.

I've always been an advocate of, if you're in it, you should aim to win it', not this time. We looked knackered in the second half against Chelsea, so, I have to agree with just playing the B team, I wouldn't risk any 1st steamers, even Adrian.

If we win, we win, if we don't, then so be it.

Would be such a hassle for some first teamers to travel to the game and sit on the bench, would that affect them in a negative way?

Maybe they will, I don't know. But a few of them have been asked by their wives to play cards tonight, and I think I heard Matip is taking clothes to the laundromat.