Liverpool aims to get back on track and secure a spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals as they host Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, Arne Slot is dealing with fresh injury concerns ahead of Wednesday night’s match.
Curtis Jones suffered a knock during the Premier League clash against Brentford. As a result, his availability remains uncertain pending a late fitness test. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak also face similar doubts. Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong are still sidelined with injuries.
Arne Slot’s strategy against Crystal Palace
Arne Slot acknowledged Crystal Palace’s threat and shared his considerations for the EFL Cup fourth-round tie. He noted their previous Premier League encounter, where Crystal Palace secured a late winning goal. Slot emphasized the importance of being prepared for their ability to persist until the final whistle. That being said, the Liverpool manager highlighted the need to assess player availability before making a final decision on the squad.
He wrote in the matchday programme, “Of course we have already faced Palace in the Premier League this season and the result on that occasion was not what we would have hoped for. Credit to Palace for that.”
“Their winning goal came very late on that occasion after we had equalised following a difficult first half for us, so we should be aware not just of the problems they can cause but also of their ability to keep going until the final whistle.”
“At the time of writing these notes I have not made a final decision on the squad that we will use for this game – there is a need to train and to check on availability – but whichever players we use have to be ready to face a team like Palace.”
Predicted Liverpool lineup: Freddie Woodman to debut for the Reds?
Freddie Woodman is expected to make his debut for Liverpool against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup. The team will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defensive line could consist of Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson.
In midfield, Wataru Endo could partner with Stefan Bajcetic in a double pivot. Florian Wirtz is expected to take on the number 10 role. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike is set to lead the attack, supported by Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha on the wings.
Liverpool predicted 11 vs Crystal Palace
Woodman; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Bajcetic, Endo; Chiesa, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Ekitike.
Slot faces a challenge in balancing squad rotation with the desire to progress in the EFL Cup. The inclusion of Woodman and other potential changes indicates a focus on giving opportunities to fringe players. How this reshuffled lineup performs against a tricky Crystal Palace side will be a key talking point, especially with crucial Premier League fixtures on the horizon.
