Jurgen Klopp is expected to rotate his squad for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash away to Norwich on Tuesday night. Express Sport looks at six players who must make the most of their chance to impress as Klopp’s Premier League title hopefuls target a place in the fourth round of the League Cup.
Among those who needs to catch the manager’s eye is Joe Gomez, who impressed in the second half of last week’s win over AC Milan after marginally playing their attackers onside for their two goals just before half-time.
Gomez was making his first start since he suffered a serious knee injury on England duty in November last year, which ruled him out of the rest of the campaign and blew a huge hole in Liverpool’s title defence.
Reds boss Klopp will have been overjoyed to see him back in action, but the 24-year-old now faces increased competition following the summer signing of Ibrahima Konate, who made his Liverpool debut in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Lining up alongside Gomez could be 18-year-old Conor Bradley, who may find himself fast-tracked into the team with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams both injured.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could start alongside Jones in midfield against Norwich, having made two substitute appearances since playing an hour of the opening-day win over the same opponents.
With injuries having blighted his time at Anfield he has struggled to earn a regular place, and there was speculation this summer that he could be on the move.
The 28-year-old will need to step up against Daniel Farke’s side – especially after fellow midfielder Naby Keita staked his claim for more minutes with a superb strike against Palace on Saturday.
Divock Origi has been linked with a January exit, after Klopp’s comments appeared to suggest Liverpool were open to selling the striker.
The 26-year-old gave an industrious display against Milan last week including a superb assist for Mohamed Salah’s equaliser.
But he needs to show he can be a more consistent goal threat – whether to save his Liverpool career or put himself in the shop window for a move elsewhere.
One final player who must show Klopp what he is capable of is Takumi Minamino – who appears the most likely of the six to be sold as he has not played a single minute so far this season.
The 26-year-old has scored just four goals in 31 appearances for the Reds since his £7million move from RB Salzburg in January last year, and if he is to remain at Anfield must show he can provide the back-up Klopp needs for Sadio Mane and Salah.
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