Predicted Liverpool line-up against Accrington
Liverpool face an unknown opponent on Saturday when they host second division side Accrington Stanley at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Reds have only fought the Lancashire minnows once so far – one FA Cup meeting in 1956 – and they should have no qualms about maintaining their perfect record in a head-to-head against them on Saturday lunchtime.
Arne Slot is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup at the weekend after a disappointing start to the new year, with fringe players likely to be given the opportunity to impress the Dutch coach on his FA Cup debut.
Here’s how Liverpool could face Accrington.
Goalkeeper: Kevin Kelleher – The Irishman couldn’t keep his place in the starting line-up against Tottenham but he should get some minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup game of the season. He will expect to concede a goal on Saturday.
RB: Conor Bradley – With Liverpool’s games looming thick and fast at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley could get another run at the weekend to give Trent Alexander-Arnold more rest.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The centre-back could be a problem for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slot would have wanted to give his first pair the day off, but an injury to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s illness mean Konate could be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool go for young people like Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Endo stepped in as central defender on Wednesday Defeat to Tottenham and played there against Southampton at the start of this season. The Japanese captain could be used in such a role against Accrington.
LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played in midweek and the lack of alternative left-back options means Robertson is likely to return against Accrington. The Scot’s poor form has led to this Questions about his long-term future at Anfield.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed on loan last season and was given the odd chance in the Carabao Cup under Slot. The deep-lying playmaker will have another chance to shine against Accrington.
DM: Trey Nyoni – Great expectations are placed on the 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three appearances for the senior national team so far. The top-class midfielder has rarely failed to impress, be it in pre-season or competitive matches.
RW: Federico Chiesa – If any Liverpool player could use a goal against Accrington, it would be Chiesa. The stuttering start to his Anfield career was made worse by frequent problems Injuries and he’s still waiting for the Reds to strike first.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An injury early in the season saw Elliott fall down the pecking order, but he has proven effective when asked. This season he only made nine appearances, most of them on the bench.
LW: Luis Diaz – With the majority of Liverpool’s academy’s exciting strikers on loan, Diaz could be tasked with starting against Accrington. He only played half an hour during the week and could be longer on Saturday.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Much like Chiesa, failed Liverpool striker Nunez is also in desperate need of a positive performance. The Uruguayan has only managed four goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season and continues to struggle for consistency.
