I would guess that the full lineup for Norwich will probably be something like this:
Kelleher
Milner Konate Gomez Tsimikas
Henderson
Ox Jones
Minamino Jota Origi
Kelleher is clearly the No.2 and will start if fit.
The CB pairing seems like an easy choice of Konate and Gomez, it seems like the logical choice as opined in the post above.
Not sure if Neco is fit or not, but if he's not then Milner probably slots in at RB again, though ideally he'd be playing DM just as in the season opener. If Trent is healthy he might start as he rested against Palace, but I'd hazard a guess that Klopp would rather save his legs to play 3 games against Brentford/Porto/Man City. Alternatively Bradley might get a game, as he probably earned an opportunity in preseason - and that would free up Milner to play at DM instead of Henderson.
At LB Tsimikas probably keeps his place. He got 2 consecutive games to start the season and get in a groove, and Klopp probably gives him another 2 consecutive games here. He also already has the experience of played well against Norwich. That means that Robertson gets some rest after playing a lot in the international break and against Leeds, and can play the 3 subsequent fixtures (Brentford/Porto/City).
If Milner plays RB then we'll need one of Fabinho or Henderson to play DM here, and the choice should be Henderson imo. Fabinho is the most important midfielder so shouldn't start in the cup. Ideally Milner would be freed up to play DM to rest Henderson too though.
With Elliott and likely Thiago out, our options in the No.8 roles are Keita, Jones, and Ox (assuming that Milner starts at RB and Henderson starts at DM). Keita needs to be kept fit for Brentford so Ox and Jones are the logical selections.
Up front I wouldn't want to start Mane or Salah, and Firmino is injured still, so it picks itself really. This is a perfect opportunity to get Minamino and Origi some minutes. Jota got subbed at 75 against Palace and he'll probably be keen to get back on his bike quickly again after missing a sitter against Palace. Klopp did say that Gordon could get some gametime in the cups this season though so maybe he slots in at RW with Jota given a rest as well.
If Klopp wants to go with more youth we could see both Bradley and Gordon start, but it's not really like Klopp to debut two youngsters in positions adjacent to one another. Rather he tends to insulate young players by surrounding them with a veteran player or two in the vicinity. Maybe having Henderson/Milner and Ox in midfield would help somewhat though.
« Last Edit: Sep 19, 2021 03:00:54 am by Richard88 »
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