AliousLiverpool is set to begin their Carabao Cup title defense against West Ham United, with some notable changes expected in the squad lineup. Wataru Endo, who has seen limited playing time under new manager Arne Slot, is anticipated to rejoin the team. The Japanese midfielder has only made brief appearances off the bench this season, as Slot has favored Ryan Gravenberch in the defensive midfield position.
Given the likelihood of rotation, Liverpool’s midfield composition for the third-round match at Anfield could see significant alterations. Endo might be given his first start since Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp. The current midfield trio of Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have started all six matches so far, are expected to be rested.
Curtis Jones is likely to make his first start of the season, leaving one more midfield position to be filled. This spot could go to Tyler Morton, who hasn’t played a single minute under Slot’s management. Morton, having spent the last two seasons on loan, was retained by Liverpool this summer as a backup option. Another possibility is 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, who might be given his full debut.
With injuries to Alisson Becker and Harvey Elliott, Slot will need to exclude three players from the squad. He may choose to rest key players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom have started every game this season.
Federico Chiesa, who recently joined from Juventus, is expected to make his full debut after two substitute appearances.
The available Liverpool squad includes:
Goalkeepers:
Kelleher, Jaros
Defenders:
Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Quansah, Robertson, Tsimikas
Midfielders: Endo, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Morton, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Chiesa, Nunez, Jota, Diaz, Gakpo
This lineup reflects the potential for significant rotation and the opportunity for less-utilized players to make their mark in the Carabao Cup fixture.
Alious
