Overview
Liverpool takes on Notts County in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday night. Considering Notts County play in League One and the Tuesday night's game will be played at Anfield, Liverpool are heavy favourites to win. This is the first time the two sides have ever met in the League Cup.
Team News
Liverpool: With the Reds not competing in any European competition this season, this is one of the few mid-week fixtures they have to contend with. Brendan Rodgers' team have enjoyed a good start to their league campaign, winning both the games played. The Northern Irish manager is expected to make lots of changes in the game as Manchester United are scheduled to visit Anfield in the weekend. Big names like Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Daniel Agger, Kolo Toure and Philippe Coutinho are expected not to feature.
Striker Fabio Borini is expected to play, as is Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen. In defense, Andre Wisdom and Martin Kelly are likely to be given the much-needed experience playing at center back. New signing Luis Alberto is also expected to start, while striker Iago Aspas may be given the opportunity to grab his first competitive goal for the club. The only injury concerns for Brendan Rodgers are defenders Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates, who are both out with knee problems.
Liverpool have a proud history in the League Cup, winning it eight times, more than any other club. However, the club have not won in their last three home games in the competition. Curiously, they won it two seasons previous under Kenny Dalglish having played only one home game; a 2-2 draw in the semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
Notts County: The League One side has had an abysmal start to the season. The team has won only one of their five games this season. That victory was in the first round of the League Cup against Fleetwood. With the odds stacked against the team, County will be hoping for their first victory at Anfield in six attempts. To make matters worse, the club has not won any of their last 12 meetings against Liverpool.
County manager Chris Kiwomya will be without club captain Dean Leacock, who has been out of action due to a leg injury. Defender Alan Sheehan is also out with hamstring problems. Forwards Enoch Showunmi and Danny Haynes are unlikely to feature considering that they were left out of the weekend fixture against Stevenage.
For County players, the opportunity to play at Anfield will be one to remember regardless of the result. The 3,000 traveling fans are sure to savour every moment of playing at the historic ground.
Where to Watch
Kick-off is at 12:15am (Wednesday, 28 August). A repeat broadcast will be shown on Ten Action at 2:30am.
