Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is under huge pressure after his team failed to win any of the last five games in all competitions, even as it prepares to host League two side, Carlisle United, at Anfield in Wednesday for a League Cup clash.
To make matters worse, the Red's striker Christian Benteke has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury, which opens up the door for Danny Ings and Divock Origi. Ings should be confident ahead of the League Cup clash, especially after scoring his first goal for Liverpool against Norwich City.
Ings, who was one of the best players for Liverpool against Norwich, received positive feedback for his performance. Another impressive outing against Carlisle might open up the doors for the Englishman to start against Aston Villa during the weekend with Benteke's injury a growing concern.
More changes are expected in the starting 11 from the team that started against Norwich. Players such as Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana could get a starting role in the team alongside goalkeeper Adam Bodgan, who was signed during the summer.
Bodgan hopes to make his debut against Carlisle and put in a good performance, which shall enable to be in the reckoning if Simon Mignolet's form dips.
"I'm hoping that I'm going to get my chance to play and if I do, I would obviously like to put in a good performance," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I'm looking forward to it – hopefully I can make my debut. If I play and have a chance to reflect on that in the next couple of days, then of course I'm going to be very proud. It is a huge club and it's an absolute privilege to be here."
Liverpool are going to start as favourites against Carlisle, who have a better record than the Reds as far as their latest results are concerned. In their last seven matches, Carlisle have lost only once, which should give them the much-needed confidence when they play a huge team like Liverpool at Anfield.
Jason Kennedy, Carlisle midfielder, wants his team to visit Anfield -- in a rare opportunity -- and enjoy the game. A victory against a top EPL club like Liverpool will be an icing on the cake for Carlisle United.
"The nerves will start ahead of kick off but we've got to go there and enjoy it. These occasions don't come round too often when you're playing in the lower leagues so we'll go there and do what we've been doing," the club's official website quoted Kennedy as saying.
Where to watch live
Get the Liverpool vs Carlisle United Highlights HERE
Liverpool vs Carlisle United clash has been scheduled for 8pm local time (12:30am IST, 3pm) start.
International viewers can watch it live on LFC Tv, with live streaming option on LFC TV Go.
US viewers can watch the game on Bein Sports Connect.
