Andoni Iraola has already confirmed one lineup decision ahead of Spurs clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Team News: Giorgi Mamardashvili Set for Tottenham as Conor Bradley Recovery Continues

There is always a different feel to a League Cup night at Anfield. The air changes, the team sheet carries a few surprises, and the competition offers a chance for fresh faces to make a mark. That looks certain to be the case again when Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, with Andoni Iraola ready to shuffle the pack.

The headline call has already been made. Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal. Alisson Becker has begun the season in strong form, but Liverpool’s head coach is sticking with the long-standing cup policy and handing the Georgian his opportunity.

Iraola said: “Will I change the goalkeeper? Yes. Alisson is proven, he is playing very well.

“I also rate Giorgi very highly, I know him from his years in Spain. I told him we tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here, and for me he is a very good goalkeeper. He is going to start tomorrow.

“We will see tomorrow players we haven’t seen still and I am very looking forward to seeing them. I feel they are going to play well or they can help us and they still haven’t had the chance yet.”

Photo: IMAGO

Mamardashvili Gets Liverpool Chance

That is as clear as it gets. Mamardashvili has yet to appear under Iraola, but this has long been the competition where Liverpool look beyond their established starters. It is sensible management, and it also tells the squad that chances will come if standards are kept high behind the scenes.

There could be plenty of changes around him too. Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers and James McConnell are all pushing for involvement, while Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Jeremie Frimpong, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are expected to feature in some capacity. Three games in seven days asks questions of any squad, and Liverpool have enough depth to answer them.

Joe Gomez Boost Before Tottenham

There is better news on Joe Gomez. After six weeks out with a muscle issue, the defender is back in full training and could return against Spurs.

Iraola said: “.Joe (Gomez) is training with the team and I think he is going to be available for tomorrow. It’s a matter of deciding how much he can play.”

That matters. Gomez brings calm, experience and versatility, all useful qualities in a cup tie where rhythm can be broken by changes.

Conor Bradley Injury Latest

Conor Bradley’s situation is less encouraging in the short term. Liverpool are being careful, and rightly so, after a serious knee injury.

Iraola said: “He (Bradley) is not close to training with the team. He is training alone but he has started touching the ball. We want him back as quick as possible ready but it’s a long-term injury.

“(Giovanni) Leoni is a little bit ahead of him. It is going to take some time for Conor.”

That is the reality of it. Bradley is moving forward, but only in small steps. The important thing now is patience. Liverpool have enough options for Tuesday. What they need from Mamardashvili and the rest is simple, take the chance and give Anfield a reason to believe this cup run can gather pace early.