Liverpool have been one of the best teams in the Premier League so far, and have won two huge games of late, against Leicester City and Chelsea. The Reds, in such form, are always going to be a huge force in the third round of the EFL Cup, where they are scheduled to face Derby County on Tuesday.
With such wins under their belt, one would have thought Liverpool would take it easy against Derby and play some fringe players, and test the squad. But manager Klopp has some other plans despite possessing a stronger team on paper in the EFL match, as he wants to feature a strong line-up.
Brazilian Roberto Firmino has been one of the sensational players for Liverpool, but missed the last match due to minor groin injury. The star player is expected to feature against Derby, while goalkeeper Loris Karius could start in goal for Liverpool. With Liverpool performing well, and Klopp not eager to make much changes all the players will be trying to put their best feet forward against Derby.
Liverpool would not have many problems against Derby, who are struggling in the Championships as well at 20th position. Despite their position in the League, these Cup matches are hard to predict, one bad game, and you are out of the competition. Belgian international Divock Origi does not want to take their third round opponents lightly, and is keen to see his team move into the next round with a win.
"For us, it's a tough game and in a cup everything can happen. You have to be strong physically, go into it with the mind of a fighter and play our football. That will be our aim," LFC's official website quoted Origi as saying.
"We have to go into it with a lot of positive energy and try to outmatch them in every way. That means also in the physical part – I think that is very important. In games like this, things can happen fast. We will try to do everything to get the win. We want to win this game and be competitive in all competitions," he added.
Liverpool have had no trouble in scoring goals. They already have four or more in three games in all competitions this season. Liverpool set up a date with Derby after hammering Burton Albion 5-0 in the second round, while Derby County won a thrilling penalty contest, where they emerged victorious 14-13.
Derby must be aware of the huge task that waits them at Pride Park Stadium. Midfielder Will Hughes hopes to create a huge upset in the third round of the EFL, and defeat Liverpool.
"Everyone knows we're going into the game as underdogs but stranger things have happened than us beating Liverpool at home and there are always shocks in most rounds of this competition. Hopefully that can be us," Liverpool Echo quoted Hughes as saying.
"We're not going into the game to take part, we're going into it to win the game. If we got the win it would be up there with the best results of my career," he added.
Matej Vydra and Ikechi Anya are cup-tied and will not be available for Derby, but striker Andreas Weimann could feature in the match.
Watch Derby County vs Liverpool live
Derby County vs Liverpool EFL Cup is scheduled for 7.45 pm BST (12.15 am IST, 2.45 am ET) start. TV and Live streaming options can be found below.
No live TV coverage in UK and India
UK audience can listen live on radio: BBC Radio 5 Live
Middle East, US: TV: BeIN Sports . Live streaming: Bein Sports Connect
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport 7. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
