Pre-Match: Aston Villa v Liverpool Carabao Cup QF Tues 17th Dec 19:45KO

Well, this is has taken me ages to try and work out a potential line up for this game, I’ve been through most U23’s match reports and had a look at the U18’s as well, to see who is like to feature on Tuesday.

I’ll pick a team of who is likely to feature, then if anyone has any further suggestions I’ll be grateful to know, it’s been interesting looking into the U23’s side and also seeing who is highly rated in the U18’s:

Kelleher

Williams
Hoever
Van Den Berg
Larouci

Jones (c)
Chirivella
Kane

Elliott
Brewster
Christie-Davies

Subs:

Atherton
Boyes
Koumetio
Cain
Longstaff
Clarkson
Stewart

I think this is likely to be the squad that travels to Villa Park.

It’s a shame Adam Lewis is injured because this could have been a decent chance for him to prove his worth at LB.

I’m really looking forward to watching this, it will be a great opportunity for our youngsters and also for the 23’s manager Neil Critchley and his coaches.

I expect Villa will play as strong a team as possible, but judging by their last team in this competition, and their team selection at the weekend, we can expect to see something like this from them:

Nyland

Elmohamady (c)
Konsa Ngoyo
Chester
Taylor

Hourihane
Douglas Luiz
Lansbury

Trezeguet
Kodija
Davis

Subs:

Steer
Engels
Hause
Green
El Ghazi
Jota
Hogan

I picked this judging on who has featured for them in the Caraboa cup so far, as well as players who are on the ‘fringes’ at Villa.

I have no idea of a score line, let’s just see what happens Tuesday ⚽️

Im sure Elliott & Jones are with the senior squad for the WCC.

Im sure Elliott & Jones are with the senior squad for the WCC.

Williams and Jones are, they are flying out to Qatar after the game apparently.

I’m sure the original squad list for the CWC has Brewster and Elliott in, but maybe those plans have changed.

Kelleher (c)

Clarkson
Hoever
Van Den Berg
Larouci

Longstaff
Chirivella
Kane

Elliott
Brewster
Christie-Davies

We can watch this completely relaxed about the result and just enjoy watching a very young side give it their all.

No doubt Villa will be favourites by a long shot, but lets be honest, they are sh*te. Their confidence will be high because they are only competing against youngsters, but you know what, we get an early couple of chances, even if we don't score, Villa will be a nervous shivering heap of sh*te. The thought of losing to a team of kids will shatter their nerves. Thats why I think we'll win it. Villa will fall apart.
COME ON YOU MIGHTY RED KIDS.

Not even going to guess at the team for this one. Good luck to all the boys who are chosen, but cant help feel annoyed that we have been put in this situation, with the likes of United, Everton and City still in the cup and able to field senior  teams.

Credibility of the tournament has gone out the window, but none of that is the clubs fault, or the fault of the team we put out.

Good luck to them.

I will watch this without any expectation of winning, will be quite nice to watch a game without feeling any nerves.

In all likelihood we'll lose this by a big margin but it will be good experience for the youngsters.

As for selection I'd just play the U23 team as far as possible.

No doubt Villa will be favourites by a long shot, but lets be honest, they are sh*te. Their confidence will be high because they are only competing against youngsters, but you know what, we get an early couple of chances, even if we don't score, Villa will be a nervous shivering heap of sh*te. The thought of losing to a team of kids will shatter their nerves. Thats why I think we'll win it. Villa will fall apart.
COME ON YOU MIGHTY RED KIDS.

3 or 4 of these lads in the team would give them a game, but literally men Vs boys all over the field, and at PL level... I think we should keep our expectations down, but no harm in hoping.

Just hope the young'uns give it their all, this is their chance at representing the club.

What was that Choon that Bog Snorkler George Michael used to sing ?......





....Oh yeah....You Gotta Have 'Faith'


Let's f***in Smash em,..

..Up the Young Un's


YNWA

Would love the kids to come good there

I listed a probably lineup a few days ago. Although it seems Curtis Jones and Neco Williams may have already left for Qatar, I expect our lineup vs. to be:

Kelleher

Williams
Hoever
Van den Berg
Gallacher (I think Larouci is injured)

Kane
Chirivella
Dixon-Bonner

Jones, Brewster, Elliott

Subs: GK, Christie-Davies, Norris, Boyes, Clarkson, Cain, Bearne

If Williams and Jones are unavailable I'd expect Boyes at center back, Hoever at right back and Cain, Bearne or Luis Longstaff at forward.

Curtis Jones lines up in the front three now much more often than at midfield. So if he plays, expect him there.

I'll wait for something on a couple of kids being dropped from the  original 23-man travel squad.

You can be  certain that the kids will be fired up and will not let us down.I would really  love to see them beat Villa.

If the lads went on to beat the Villa team then this would be up there with some big shocks.

It's the fitness and physicality more than anything that is the difference. The Villa players will have developed into the players that they are, while our lads are just on the beginning of their journeys.

cmon young ones , You ARE good enough to give these a proper game. show what you do, but play together as a team.
Every faith lads, be supporting you all the way

No reason we can't win this with the young lads. They have nothing to lose all the pressure is on Villa to win.
Villa at best are a decent Championship side and nothing more.

C'mon the young Reds.

Pass and move, pass and move.
Remember what you were told in training. No heroics, just stay concentrated. The Adrenalin will carry you through. Win it and send out a statement.
We are Liverpool, This means more !

I'll put a tenner on a win for the young guns.

williams is with the WCC squad.

Jones & Elliott now with u23s. changed yesterday.

No reason we can't win this with the young lads. They have nothing to lose all the pressure is on Villa to win.
Villa at best are a decent Championship side and nothing more.

C'mon the young Reds.

are you joking, there is every reason that we WILL lose, Villa players are stronger, faster, better technically, more experienced and are also playing at home and will be every bit as motivated to win.

I'm actually not bothered about losing this, it means 2 games less that Leicester and Citeh in February

This game is going to massively skew our 'number of players used in a season' stat.

Not hopeful at all. Could be an ugly scoreline.

Still can't believe we're in this situation to be honest - complete shambles really.

Hope the kids go and do us proud though.

Whatever happens think the kids will do the club proud. They will be eager to impress, to move into the main squad. The mentality of never give up, could certainly spring a shock tomorrow night.

I have a feeling we will play very well, but just lose. doing the club proud and the u23s gaining some great experience.

cmon young ones , You ARE good enough to give these a proper game. show what you do, but play together as a team.
Every faith lads, be supporting you all the way

No reason we can't win this with the young lads. They have nothing to lose all the pressure is on Villa to win.
Villa at best are a decent Championship side and nothing more.

C'mon the young Reds.

Pass and move, pass and move.
Remember what you were told in training. No heroics, just stay concentrated. The Adrenalin will carry you through. Win it and send out a statement.
We are Liverpool, This means more !

I have a feeling we will play very well, but just lose. doing the club proud and the u23s gaining some great experience.

I've selected some pre-match team talk given by our very own. We've some solid backing for our young lads. It's very encouraging. Which as a young lad, would you like to hear or not hear before you head out for kick off?

How about "guys, I'm actually not too bothered if you lose. I've nothing to say to you. Go out and enjoy yourselves like it's your last big match."  evil coaching staff.

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!

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!

yepp will be a unique experience to lose a game ;-)

in all seriousness I hope the kids enjoy the experience and play with no pressure or expectations on them, if they do that then who knows what might happen but I would be amazed if we don't lose this quite heavily.

The kids will do us proud tomorrow whether we win or not. Win and we get closer to another trophy, lose and we have less matches to worry about.

are you joking, there is every reason that we WILL lose, Villa players are stronger, faster, better technically

Says who? I fancy our kids to give Villa a game.

Villa may well rotate, thinking its an easy tie.

Critchley on Williams and Jones: "For two 18s to go to CWC that doesn't happen every day, does it? If they are involved them they have a chance of getting on the pitch. What an occasion that would be for them!"

So Jones is with the WCC squad.

And apparently Brewster is a doubt for the game.

& Elliott is with the WCC squad.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-squad-club-world-cup-17427324

So Jones is with the WCC squad.

And apparently Brewster is a doubt for the game.

& Elliott is with the WCC squad.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-squad-club-world-cup-17427324

OK - so originally Harvey, Curtis, Neco and Rhian were going to play at Villa and then travel to Qatar (but not be available for selection on Wednesday).

NOW, Curtis and Neco have already flown to Qatar and will be available for selection Wednesday, but will not play at Villa.

Harvey will play at Villa and then fly out to Qatar. Kijana Hoever and Sepp Van den Berg will do the same.

But Rhian Brewster faces a late fitness test for Villa and will not travel to Qatar.

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 – 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."

Actually would hate to be in Villa's shoes for this. It's kind of a no win situation. If they win, they were expected to because we fielded a team of youngsters. If they lose...well.......


Hopefully the kids take it to them early and you never know what may happen.

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).

Cheers for that. For some reason I had it in my head that the Arsenal team was a lot less experienced than the one you've posted.

Weird one this...not sure what to make of it...we'll out pimple them that's for sure. To be honest I know very little about some of the players we put out. It could be a step to far. step a bit to early for some of them but lets hope it's a positive experience for them.

The plumbers.milkmen,insurance salesmen live for a shot at the big boys in the cup so....look to lads in parkas.

Says who? I fancy our kids to give Villa a game.

I bet its not even close, I wish the kids all the best and I'll be cheering them on but it would take a miracle for them to win. We literally have no established defence, midfield or attack. In other words we've got no one to get any goals for us or to keep them out. It will be a slaughter if Villa play their A-team.

7/1 win the bookies. Probably should be 14/1 with the team we have.

are you joking, there is every reason that we WILL lose, Villa players are stronger, faster, better technically, more experienced and are also playing at home and will be every bit as motivated to win.

I'm actually not bothered about losing this, it means 2 games less that Leicester and Citeh in February

I might have known you would come along and piss on my chips.
What is your problem eh ? Yes we will probably get beat but can't  you get behind the team and support them ffs.
I expect if we do get beat badly you will be able to come along like Billy Big Bollocks and say told you all so.

Think the youngsters will struggle but what the hell as long as they give it a go

I'm not waiting for any result but I demand that all of them give their utmost. Passion can't be bought.

Think the youngsters will struggle but what the hell as long as they give it a go

I’m hoping they cause an upset & win the game.. would be great news

i wonder if it would have been worth keeping a couple of senior players in this team? Like i dunno. Milner and Ox or something/? U know grab names out of a hat

Sorry, being lazy here, is this game on BT or Sky? Just wondering if I need to go to the Pub to watch it?

Sorry, being lazy here, is this game on BT or Sky? Just wondering if I need to go to the Pub to watch it?

League cup is on sky mate

League cup is on sky mate

Cheers, may mosey over tomorrow.

Not writing us off because in football anything can happen and there’s every chance Villa could let complacency get the better of them, especially seeing as this is probably the only game they go into this season against another Premier League team as the favourite.

But, a defeat certainly wouldn’t come as a shock. Definitely not a shock if it’s a performance anything like when the U23s got battered recently.

Don't be surprised if these lads do something special tomorrow. I will really enjoy seeing them get their chance to shine. If they want to impress and get into Jurgens thoughts then tomorrow is the time to do it. Come on you REDS

I'm worried of a pasting, this being an away game as well adds to the difficulty.

That's my worry too a Pasting will be a shame on the young players.  Hopefully it will be a good game and massive learning experience for the youngsters!   

Should we consider playing a 5 at the back 3 CB?  I think we should consider it at least.

That's my worry too a Pasting will be a shame on the young players.  Hopefully it will be a good game and massive learning experience for the youngsters!   

Should we consider playing a 5 at the back 3 CB?  I think we should consider it at least.

Best way to go IMO is to carry on with what they know, which I'm guessing would be a 4-3-3.

I am really looking forward to this massive challenge just worried if it becomes too much of a 'men against boys'.

Will villa bring out their big guns as the next round a is a trip to Wembley, so far they have been playing under strength teams

Be a minor miracle if the lads go through tonight.
Last minute equaliser at home in last round, and we had some more experienced players playing that evening.
I'm all for playing weakened teams in the League Cup, but this is taking it to a new level
Hope the lads come off the pitch feeling they've put in a good shift regardless of the result.

Will villa bring out their big guns as the next round a is a trip to Wembley, so far they have been playing under strength teams

Surely they will rotate considering their league position and the fact their second string side should beat us quite comfortably anyway.

Surely they will rotate considering their league position and the fact their second string side should beat us quite comfortably anyway.

They are in a relegation battle heading into a busy Christmas schedule so i'd be very surprised if they don't mix things up a bit and use some squad players with the likes of Grealish and McGinn on the bench should they be needed.

Do we know if Jones, Brewster and Elliot are going to be available to play tonight? I'd feel a lot better if those three all start the game.

They are in a relegation battle heading into a busy Christmas schedule so i'd be very surprised if they don't mix things up a bit and use some squad players with the likes of Grealish and McGinn on the bench should they be needed.

Do we know if Jones, Brewster and Elliot are going to be available to play tonight? I'd feel a lot better if those three all start the game.

I think Elliott is available. Brewster might miss out with an injury and Jones is out in Qatar I believe.

I think Elliott is available. Brewster might miss out with an injury and Jones is out in Qatar I believe.

Yeah I’ve just seen that Brewster is a doubt, real shame if he doesn’t make the game. Just watching neal  Critchley press conference now.

I don't think these lads will get a hiding in someway it will be hard for Villa because they are now massive favourites and we all know how much underdogs often find a way to win. This is a massive opportunity for the lads I am looking forward to it. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Surely they will rotate considering their league position and the fact their second string side should beat us quite comfortably anyway.

They have to rotate, they have Injury Issues like all teams, and as noted above the EPL is priority they're in fight to stay up.

Is a bit of a calculated risk about this. Obviously over the years we have used this cup to play younger players but there has always been the fringe players and one or two first team regulars in the side.This time it's not far off an A team. All academy youngsters.

They will have incredible enthusiasm, plenty of endeavour, but that could dissipate very quickly. The risk is we could be humiliated badly and it could set back one or two players. The upside is one or two will shine.

Can't quite work out if I'm looking forward to it or dreading it.

Is a bit of a calculated risk about this. Obviously over the years we have used this cup to play younger players but there has always been the fringe players and one or two first team regulars in the side.This time it's not far off an A team. All academy youngsters.

Not got an option really, seeing as the whole club has geared themselves up to have a go at the World Club Cup thingy.

Is a bit of a calculated risk about this. Obviously over the years we have used this cup to play younger players but there has always been the fringe players and one or two first team regulars in the side.This time it's not far off an A team. All academy youngsters.

They will have incredible enthusiasm, plenty of endeavour, but that could dissipate very quickly. The risk is we could be humiliated badly and it could set back one or two players. The upside is one or two will shine.

Can't quite work out if I'm looking forward to it or dreading it.

Besides if the kids do get a pasting we can hammer them back with the men when they come to Anfield.

Give your all boys that's all anyone can ask

How we feel about this now is how most teams feel when they come up against our first XI!

I will take any result here that keeps these lads away from long term damage.

Chirivella set to captain the team at Villa Park tonight.

Hope our young reds do themselves proud tonight , wear the shirt with pride and do your best cmon you little Uns give it hell .

Just popped on the Villa forum to get a flavour of what we will ce up against. They are all calling for McGinn and Grealish to sit this one out and think they have more than enough despite accepting their team isnt great.

Some of them are shitting it that they will come a cropper in what they say would be the worst defeat in their history

Nothing to lose really, hope the lads enjoy themselves and manage their nerves well enough to play with a bit of freedom.

Anyone know if audio commentary for this is available on the official site.

Thinking maybe all the comms and equipment are in Qatar already.