By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
It’s all square as we head to the Emirates Stadium in the league cup semi-final, and with the chance of silverware on the horizon, the Reds must go all out to win this one.
Somehow we didn’t score in the last game against the Gunners. Takumi Minamino’s chance was the best of them, but it seemed like Mikel Arteta’s defensive shape once Granit Xhaka was sent off helped his side more than it hindered.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to be out for this one as Pep Lijnders confirmed at the press conference, while Liverpool will also have to wait longer for any stars to return from AFCON after Senegal and Guinea booked their place into the round of 16 stages.
Here’s how we should line up:
There’s been plenty of debate over whether Alisson or Kelleher should start this one. On one hand, Kelleher’s heroics in the penalty shootout were massive in getting here, but Alisson is obviously the first choice keeper. Should we go on to win the tournament, no one will forget Kelleher’s contribution, and the medal around his neck will be fully deserved. For that reason, it’s slightly harsh, but I’ve gone with Alisson.
Tsimikas comes in for Robertson after a solid outing for the Scotland captain against Brentford. Virgil, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold complete the defence.
Fabinho should anchor from the midfield behind the creative spark of Curtis Jones, while Jordan Henderson adds stability against an Arsenal side that will be looking to counter-attack intensively.
Takumi Minamino, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota lead the line, with the Portuguese star on the left-flank as he was against the Bees on Sunday.
Arsenal have been in better form of late, coming close to a point against Manchester City infront of a home crowd, though with many injuries of their own, it’s a strong chance for Liverpool to lock up a place in a cup final.
Score prediction: Arsenal 1 – 2 Liverpool
How does Ste think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE REDMEN TV – HERE
