Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, most of the times, has stressed upon the need of playing with his strongest team possible irrespective of the competition, but that is not going to happen against Leeds United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Most of their key players are injured, and will not be available for selection.
Liverpool, who lie second in the Premier League table, will be without star player Philippe Coutinho, who injured his ankle on Saturday. Daniel Sturridge is also out, while one does not see Klopp starting with Roberto Firmino with a crucial month ahead for Liverpool in the Premier League. The Brazilian also suffered a calf injury. Adam Lallana will also not feature in the quarterfinal.
With such players missing, one remains to be seen if they can maintain that 'entertaining team' tag, which they have earned in the league this season, playing some thrilling football. Such injuries always gives some youngsters to shine and other players like Divock Origi, who has been used from the bench, to step it up and deliver the goods.
Klopp has made sure that he will not rest all his players, but only those who need it against Leeds United. However, one does see some major changes in the back with Alberto Moreno getting in a game for James Milner, while Simon Mignolet will replace Loris Karius in goal. The German does not want to take Leeds United lightly as he believes the visitors can make life difficult for the Reds.
"It is about having a line-up which can stand the intensity of the game because Leeds are in a really good moment. They are a football-playing side and they will force us into a lot of things so we need to work hard in these games. The players need to be fit for this," BBC quoted Klopp as saying.
"We don't want to rest somebody who doesn't need a rest. It is possible we will make a few changes; it is possible we will play nearly the same team."
Leeds United might have been a decent side in the championship, winning four of their last five matches. Manager Gary Monk, who won the competition as a player in the past, will hope to see his team reach the semifinals of the EFL Cup, known as League Cup earlier.
The manager knows Liverpool are a massive side, but believes in his team's ability to stun the home side.
"We are in a great position in terms of it being a quarter final, it is a knockout competition and when you get to this stage anything can happen.It is a 90 minute game, we are playing against a very good 11 players, but we know if we put our performance on and play to our maximum we can cause anybody trouble.
"We want to win, we are all looking forward to it, it is a big challenge, but if we conquer it right, it could be one we can be very proud of," club's official website quoted Monk as saying.
Watch Liverpool vs Leeds United live
Liverpool vs Leeds United EFL Cup is scheduled for 7.45 pm GMT (1.15 am IST, 2.45 am ET) start. TV and Live streaming options can be found below.
India: TV: Ten 2, Ten 1 HD. Live streaming: Ten Sports live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1/HD. Live Streaming: Sky Go.
Middle East, US: TV: BeIN Sports . Live streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport 3. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
