Pre-Match: Liverpool v Arsenal // Carabao Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg 20th Jan 19:45

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be without up to 12 players for Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool. The Gunners fought tooth and nail in the reverse fixture at Anfield, with the sides going into their next meeting all square as they vie for a spot in February's final.

Granit Xhaka's early red card left Arsenal's backs against the wall at Anfield, but they dug deep to keep Liverpool at bay.

They therefore go into Thursday's scheduled meeting with the aggregate score at 0-0, although there remains a tinge of doubt over whether the game will be played after Sunday's north London derby was postponed.

For Liverpool, this year marks the 10-year anniversary of their 2011/12 League Cup title under Kenny Dalglish, beating Cardiff City in the Final in a tense penalty shoot-out, after the showdown finished 2-2.

NB: Team no longer available

I would rest Alisson because Kelleher earned it. I would rotate the full-backs too.

I'd go full strength. Getting to a final would give everyone a bit of a lift.

           Ally
TAA Matip VVD Robbo
  Hendo Fab Jones
   AOC Bob Jota

Id play 2 wide midfielders in this who can give us an outlet for attack but also civer the full backs

Rest Trent and Matip

Ali

Joe Konate VVD Robbo

Neco Fab Jones Tsimikas

        Bobby Jota

Hopefully this game actually happens.

Same team as Sunday if all fit.

Rhythm and momentum are key.

I'd go full strength. Getting to a final would give everyone a bit of a lift.

           Ally
TAA Matip VVD Robbo
  Hendo Fab Jones
   AOC Bob Jota

Agree.

Full strength for me. I want us to be in the final.

Is the ox not injured?

Is the ox not injured?

Not sure, thought he was taken off as a precaution?
If he's not ready, then guess Taki comes in for him.

Not sure, thought he was taken off as a precaution?
If he's not ready, then guess Taki comes in for him.

Echo saying he is unlikely to be available. Also saying there could be some rotation, especially at the back.

Echo saying he is unlikely to be available. Also saying there could be some rotation, especially at the back.

Really, OK.  Well Kostas and Konate don't weaken us that much. Though would prefer TAA to Neco.
Hope we don't rotate too much.  Wouldn't have said that coming up to the semi, but now that we're here ...

Hopefully Origi not to far off for some back up . Two games in 4 days so going to be rotation Konate, Kostas ,Milner will all be utilised its just in what game . Really hope we go full strength for this and tinker with team for Palace

Really, OK.  Well Kostas and Konate don't weaken us that much. Though would prefer TAA to Neco.
Hope we don't rotate too much.  Wouldn't have said that coming up to the semi, but now that we're here ...

Kostats and konate have done well, as you say they dont weaken us much now. Not sure neco will start, but never know, he has done well recently.

I had thought go full on thursday and rotate a few sunday if needed, but maybe klopp has other ideas.

its a must win match for obvious reasons and the supporters deserve a day out too. I never really used to  mind Arsenal but now with him in charge they have become really odious andI want us to not only beat them but humiliate the cu*ts

Game still might be called off.

take it back

Arsenal are optimistic the League Cup semi-final will go ahead against Liverpool on Thursday night after their match with Tottenham was postponed on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners have a depleted squad due to Covid and injuries, but also went and loaned three players out in the last couple of days.

It's hard to imagine the game being postponed as there would be no where available for it to be played as all midweek slots are filled and Liverpool would refuse to play it during the upcoming international break.

Team picks itself

Ali
Trent
Konate (covers saka or martinellis pace)
VVD
Robbo

Fabinho
Hendo
Milner

Minamino
Bobby
Jota

I know we will set up 433 but with those players I think we would be better off in a 442 diamond with minamino being the furthest forward, Hendo and Milner covering the flanks and Jota and Bobby causing havoc down the middle.

F***ing do these reds

Alisson

TAA
Konate
VVD
Robbo

Henderson
Fabinho
Jones

Taki
Jota
Bobby

Still can't believe Arsenal getting Sunday's game postponed. Expecting them now to go with the likes of Smith Rowe, Saka and Odegaard starting and fresh from a bit of a rest.

This will be a tough one for us. We will likely have a lot more space but the lack of pace up top will make it difficult to exploit.

In a big game like this we need to drop the 4-3-3 and go with English legend Mike Bassets 3-1-2-1-2-1.

Still can't believe Arsenal getting Sunday's game postponed. Expecting them now to go with the likes of Smith Rowe, Saka and Odegaard starting and fresh from a bit of a rest.

This will be a tough one for us. We will likely have a lot more space but the lack of pace up top will make it difficult to exploit.

Yeah still trying to understand that as well, do you know the FA's criteria on that?.

Still can't believe Arsenal getting Sunday's game postponed. Expecting them now to go with the likes of Smith Rowe, Saka and Odegaard starting and fresh from a bit of a rest.

This will be a tough one for us. We will likely have a lot more space but the lack of pace up top will make it difficult to exploit.

Outrageous decision, pre covid and it's tough luck get on with it. One covid case and it's postponed !
Fair play to Leeds though at the weekend far worse situation and they played

Still can't believe Arsenal getting Sunday's game postponed. Expecting them now to go with the likes of Smith Rowe, Saka and Odegaard starting and fresh from a bit of a rest.

This will be a tough one for us. We will likely have a lot more space but the lack of pace up top will make it difficult to exploit.

How can they have games postponed due to a lack of players when you only have one covid case, and at the same time, sell one first team squad player, and send another two out on loan 🤷‍♂️
That shortage of players is self inflicted to me, so they should have been made to play.
Disgraceful that they should have it called off.
They should face an inquiry over that at least.

I think the strongest team as possible should start. Hopeful the game goes ahead, it would be great to reach another final !

Partey knocked out of Afcon surely won't make Thursday though . Ayew another player back for Palace Sunday .

How can they have games postponed due to a lack of players when you only have one covid case, and at the same time, sell one first team squad player, and send another two out on loan 🤷‍♂️
That shortage of players is self inflicted to me, so they should have been made to play.
Disgraceful that they should have it called off.
They should face an inquiry over that at least.

If anyone faces an inquiry should be the governing body who allowed it

For them this is like the Champions League Final so let's take it seriously and give them a good humping. I would love to see that happen on their own turf after Mikel's jiggery-pokery with the COVID rules.

Team picks itself

Ali
Trent
Konate (covers saka or martinellis pace)
VVD
Robbo

Fabinho
Hendo
Milner

Minamino
Bobby
Jota

I know we will set up 433 but with those players I think we would be better off in a 442 diamond with minamino being the furthest forward, Hendo and Milner covering the flanks and Jota and Bobby causing havoc down the middle.

F***ing do these reds

Have you not learnt how negative Millie and Hedo are in midfield together ?

Should really be playing Kelleher in goal. He's played every round.

Should really be playing Kelleher in goal. He's played every round.

Fair shout. And he’s not let us down. Been great in fact

I'd really like to see us change formation for this.

4231 springs to mind.

Kelleher
Robbo
Virg
Konate
Trent
Fab
Morton
Jota
Taki
Ox
Firmino

I think Hendo needs a rest. He hasn't been performing to the required level and I'd rather try Tyler and see what we can get from the kid.

Should really be playing Kelleher in goal. He's played every round.

I think he will start. Ali has now had a couple of games to get some rythem.

pep presser.....

No ox tmrw. maybe fit for weekend.

Thiago back after international break, Origi after that.

Elliott already knocking on the door for games.   

He hasn't lost his football brain. It would be a crime not to play him when you see him like that y'day. He didn't knock on the door, he ran through it but we'll take our time. He needs to get 'team fit'. Great to have him back

pep presser.....

No ox tmrw. maybe fit for weekend.

Thiago back after international break, Origi after that.

Elliott already knocking on the door for games.   

Just a slight knock wasn't it for Origi what's that going to be 10 weeks out ?

Wow Elliot deems to be the reverse of the rest of the squad

Just a slight knock wasn't it for Origi what's that going to be 10 weeks out ?

Its a strange one isnt it must have been something more serious or a couple of things ?

Big man was flying too.

pep presser.....

No ox tmrw. maybe fit for weekend.

Thiago back after international break, Origi after that.

Elliott already knocking on the door for games.   

How many times are we going to hear that line re thiago 'back after the international break'

Its a strange one isnt it must have been something more serious or a couple of things ?

Big man was flying too.

Whenever klopp says it's a slight knock it's always a month ninimum. But this has dragged on. He played till the end in Milan didn't he?

Whenever klopp says it's a slight knock it's always a month ninimum. But this has dragged on. He played till the end in Milan didn't he?

Cant remember tbh. I was probably quite a few cans in by end of that game.

How many times are we going to hear that line re thiago 'back after the international break'

true. very frustrating for us and the player.

Cant remember tbh. I was probably quite a few cans in by end of that game.

Origi out until the middle of February at least according to pep

Origi out until the middle of February at least according to pep

he won't be going anywhere January then

Origi out until the middle of February at least according to pep

Aye.

Good to see Elliot back. He seems to be one of those players who make time for themselves on the ball. Doesn’t get flustered and is more positive than Millie and Hendo.

It’s clear from the previous game, Arse know how to defend in numbers. We just have to make sure they don’t score first or we’ll be up against it trying to play through their ten man defence again.
We score first. Different ball game, cos they will have to open up, and we can hopefully exploit that.!

true. very frustrating for us and the player.

Great player, but reminds me of Sturridge. He always leaves you wanting more.

Good to see Elliot back. He seems to be one of those players who make time for themselves on the ball. Doesn’t get flustered and is more positive than Millie and Hendo.

It’s clear from the previous game, Arse know how to defend in numbers. We just have to make sure they don’t score first or we’ll be up against it trying to play through their ten man defence again.
We score first. Different ball game, cos they will have to open up, and we can hopefully exploit that.!

they are at home and its a semi final, they need to attack much more, hopefully leaving space for us .

Just a slight knock wasn't it for Origi what's that going to be 10 weeks out ?

I don't even remember him getting injured. Maybe he's getting sold?

I don't even remember him getting injured. Maybe he's getting sold?

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/divock-origi-injury-latest-Jürgen-22751996.amp

Knee injury

BBC saying partey is an option for them tomorrow. He got back from Africa quick

BBC saying partey is an option for them tomorrow. He got back from Africa quick

no isolation needed?

Wouldn't appear to be the case.

    Starters  ;                                  Kelleher

                                       Trent   Gomez  Virgil   Robbo

                                                      Fabinho
                                           Hendo               Jones

                                                       Bobby
                                           Gordon             Diogo

     Finishers ; Alisson, Matip, Milner, Kostas, Elliot, Morton, Taki, Williams, Bradley, woltman, Rush



I’m going with the tried and trusted 4-3-3 in the hope Arse come out to play,(being at home) to be fair to them they have been decent at home with Captain Scarlet and his mysterons playing quite openly, that will suit us to a tee so long as we play with plenty of pace and tempo, this could be a goal fest and whoever blinks first will be saying syonara for another season,

I’ve put my trust in young Kaide over Taki, for me Taki hasn’t really shown his best and Kaide is still a bit of a unknown, think he’ll surprise  a few and he’ll be full of beans, I’d like the top three to exchange positions from time to time and keep Arse on their toes,  love to see Wee Harvey sometime second half too, with Trent coming inside, aka, start of the season, just felt that that offered a different element of attack, albeit without Mo further ahead,

I’ve also gone for Gomez to partner Virgil, not so long ago they were our go to CB pairing, they know each other inside and out and are very solid and very quick, again a slight element of surprise here, Arteta will have done his due diligence on Matip & Konate not so much Gomez, me feels,

Can’t have Hendo & Milner together centrally, it simple doesn’t work, if we want to get through we need to push the boat out, so for me Curtis offers a bit more creativity, and he’s noticeably getting better since returning, he’s hungry, he’s passionate and he’s Scouse, what more do you need in a second semi knockout winner takes all heart thumping, arse dancing slug fest ?


Think this will go all the f***in way, ET, Pens, the lot, but I think we’ll scrape it, Kelleher saving the final pen to go through, it’s gonna be tight folks !!


2-2 , 5-6 on pens



                                                                       Y  N  W  A


                                                       

BBC saying partey is an option for them tomorrow. He got back from Africa quick

He played Tuesday night and has had to travel back a fair distance. I'd love them to play him tomorrow night.

Just a slight knock wasn't it for Origi what's that going to be 10 weeks out ?

One of my big gripes with the club, this. Seems to happen quite often where players pick up "knocks" and  the club are silent for weeks or even months. I'm not one to slate FSG regularly in regards to signings but I get the impression injury news is often held back as mid-long term injuries (especially around the transfer window) would only increase the already high levels of criticism the hierarchy are receiving for their transfer strategy.

One of my big gripes with the club, this. Seems to happen quite often where players pick up "knocks" and  the club are silent for weeks or even months. I'm not one to slate FSG regularly in regards to signings but I get the impression injury news is often held back as mid-long term injuries (especially around the transfer window) would only increase the already high levels of criticism the hierarchy are receiving for their transfer strategy.

Fair enough, we have seen it before with Thiago, a small knock, all of a sudden missing for ages

Gutted this isn't at Anfield like originally planned but looking forward to it nonetheless. Strongest possible 11 is a given. Got a feeling we'll see the rarity of Arsenal fans actually creating some noise tomorrow night, given the bickering between the two fanbases in recent weeks and the fact Wembley is 90 minutes away. I'm confident about it but i've also got a really strong feeling that it's going to be a mad game. No problem if it is like, Liverpool rarely do things the easy way!

Fair enough, we have seen it before with Thiago, a small knock, all of a sudden missing for ages

Think Jota was similar last season. Got injured just before Christmas and don't remember us really getting any sort of timescale on his return for a good couple of months.

I'd go with Kostas over Robbo for this game, as we need a hell of a lot better crossing than the first leg.

Good to see Elliot back. He seems to be one of those players who make time for themselves on the ball. Doesn’t get flustered and is more positive than Millie and Hendo.

It’s clear from the previous game, Arse know how to defend in numbers. We just have to make sure they don’t score first or we’ll be up against it trying to play through their ten man defence again.
We score first. Different ball game, cos they will have to open up, and we can hopefully exploit that.!

Regarding Elliot, how many full training sessions does Klopp want to see until he is eligible to play?

Regarding Elliot, how many full training sessions does Klopp want to see until he is eligible to play?

I reckon FA Cup game he will see some minutes

Taki scores in this Comp, well apart from that sitter, but I'd start him. Think he deserves it.

Put your money on our lads to put the Arse on their Arses-   3-1  to Jurgens boys.

they are at home and its a semi final, they need to attack much more, hopefully leaving space for us .

Yeah that’s clear, but if they score first they won’t open up will they.🤷‍♂️ That’s the point, we need to score first to get them playing more open !

Fair enough, we have seen it before with Thiago, a small knock, all of a sudden missing for ages

It's pretty normal. We've seen it with cars. A little knock on the surface and there is major overhaul work on the inside. It's unbelievable but it happens. 

It's pretty normal. We've seen it with cars. A little knock on the surface and there is major overhaul work on the inside. It's unbelievable but it happens. 

Yes its the exact same, especially when the garage keeps your car for weeks and says nothing about the problem, exact same!!

Yes its the exact same, especially when the garage keeps your car for weeks and says nothing about the problem, exact same!!

The club said weeks ago that he had a hip injury? Or a muscle in that area?

Do you want them to tell us that every day?

The club said weeks ago that he had a hip injury? Or a muscle in that area?

Do you want them to tell us that every day?

Did they say he was out for the duration hes out back then? I take it they didnt by the amount of people either asking whats the story with him and picking him to start in their lineups

Is it beyond the club to say player A out for 8 weeks due to whatever injury sustained in training or a game. Saying he picked up a slight knock nothing major to me means hes a bit sore cant run around as we would like him to should be ok in a week or 2, for that to become 8 to 10 weeks or whatever while  not updating from time to time is a bit sh*t.

Im sure some know every detail of every injury and its recovery time, how it happenned and all in between but for the rest of us the odd update is appreciated

Did they say he was out for the duration hes out back then? I take it they didnt by the amount of people either asking whats the story with him and picking him to start in their lineups

Is it beyond the club to say player A out for 8 weeks due to whatever injury sustained in training or a game. Saying he picked up a slight knock nothing major to me means hes a bit sore cant run around as we would like him to should be ok in a week or 2, for that to become 8 to 10 weeks or whatever while  not updating from time to time is a bit sh*t.

Im sure some know every detail of every injury and its recovery time, how it happenned and all in between but for the rest of us the odd update is appreciated

They didn’t know initially, but told us he had an injury in that area

They then did some scans and treatment

Then they gave an update on the length he was going to be out

I don’t see what else we need

I don’t see what else we need

A replacement

A replacement

I wouldn’t disagree, I’ve made my feelings clear on the investment

But it won’t happen as we spend what we generate - which must be the same amount as a car boot sale it seems

I'd go with Kostas over Robbo for this game, as we need a hell of a lot better crossing than the first leg.

Thought we should have brought him on for the 2nd half of the 1st leg for just this reason!

Taki scores in this Comp, well apart from that sitter, but I'd start him. Think he deserves it.

I like Taki off the bench; think he's more likely to score as an impact sub brought on with 25-25 mins left.

Hope we tw*t these they’ve become a little too arrogant for my liking.

Bobby due a goal expect a big game from him.

This match could be quite even and could well go to penalties. At the end of the day, simply hope the Reds win !

This match could be quite even and could well go to penalties. At the end of the day, simply hope the Reds win !

I just think theyll go for us and that should suit us.

We need to find some creativity from tge middle so I hope Jones gets in and not a 3 of Fab Hendo Milner.

Would love to see Gordon start, that fearlessness of youth, and pace.

In saying that id ideally go 4 4 2 if it was my call

I’m nervous as hell now. Can’t wait, but not convinced it’s gonna all go our way.
Think this is gonna come down to who handles the pressure, and makes the least mistakes !

Just hope we go as strong as possible and nik a winner any old how !

If we don’t give away those silly chances we should be fine, it’s seems lately like we are doing everything in our power to let them score with the stupid simple mistakes we are make my, each man do their basics and we win.

think we will have got the rust out of our system after the two games before tonight I always feel confident but I am hoping for a demolition and a capitulation along with Jürgen twatting their manager ok a bit much to hope for but we must have hope

I am away and cannot do it and won't see the match Come on Reds.

Need a better performance than in the First leg have a feeling we will go out tonight

Need a better performance than in the First leg have a feeling we will go out tonight

I'm the opposite.

I think we'll be up for this one tonight

Hope you’re right

Tough gig tonight I think.  Especially with them lot skiving another weekend off to put their feet up.

Think home advantage does just give them an edge in what would probably be a tight game.

Tight game tonight and could well go to E/T.
A bit of luck our way might just see us squeeze home.
COYR.

Big night for young kaide gordon

What do we all think in midfield then?

I've seen a few say Milner, Hendo and Fabinho but not for me.

Need something a bit more so I'd go Fabinho, Henderson and Jones.