Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Five Changes for Liverpool’s Semi-Final Clash with Tottenham Hotspur | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction as Liverpool Face Tottenham Hotspur in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

After a brilliant start to the season, Liverpool now have a slight break from the Premier League with two cup fixtures this week. The first of those being the Carabao Cup Semi-Final clash away at Tottenham Hotspur tonight, where the Reds will look to bring a positive result back to Anfield for the second leg.

Many have claimed that Liverpool boss Arne Slot should name a heavily rotated side for this one, but with just an FA Cup Third Round clash against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, the Dutchman could still name a fairly strong squad.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for this one…

Changes at the Back

Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to come into the side in goal, whilst Alisson Becker is set for a week off. This is purely based on Kelleher usually being Liverpool’s ‘cup keeper’, but Slot could operate differently once hitting the semi-final stages.

Photo: IMAGO

Ahead of him, you can still expect some considerable strength. Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of defence, but will be joined by Jarell Quansah rather than the returning Ibou Konate.

At full-back, Kostas Tsimikas is expected to come in for Andy Robertson at left-back, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold will just about hold onto his place on the opposite side as Conor Bradley continues to build up to full match fitness.

Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

One Change in Midfield

Alexis Mac Allister will go again in the middle of the park, but his usual partner Ryan Gravenberch should really be given both cup games off in order to properly manage his minutes.

Therefore, Curtis Jones will drop a bit deeper to play alongside Mac Allister. With Dominik Szoboszlai likely to miss out again through illness, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Harvey Elliott feature as the most advanced midfielder.

Photo: IMAGO

Verdict: Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott

His Name is Diogo

It’s about time that Diogo Jota gets a start after a number of appearances from the bench. The Portuguese forward will come into the side in place of Cody Gakpo, who will be rested for this one.

Photo: IMAGO

Luis Diaz will remain in the side after only playing 60 minutes against Manchester United, whilst Mohamed Salah will of course keep his place on the right-wing. Gakpo will be joined by the liked of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa on the bench.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Robertson, Endo, Gravenberch, Chiesa, Nunez, Gakpo