Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in rather a luxurious position ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Norwich City at Anfield.
The German boss has nigh on a fully fit squad available for the meeting and plenty of players hungry to make an impression on what could be a historic campaign.
Having watched on as the Reds’ lifted the Carabao Cup on the weekend, a host of fringe players will be desperate to feature once again.
WE ARE THE CARABAO CUP WINNERS!!! 😍🏆 #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/HDAq8DpkUa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 27, 2022
Ahead of the contest, Klopp has confirmed midfielder Thiago will not be available whilst Roberto Firmino also remains absent with an adductor injury.
However, the likes of Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all make a return to action.
Young academy prospects such as Conor Bradley, Tyler Morton and Kaide Gordon may also be in line for further first-team exposure.
Here’s how we think Klopp will lineup…
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Predicted XI: Alisson; Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas; James Milner, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi.
Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, Fabinho, Kaide Gordon.
Whilst Klopp and Liverpool supporters alike will be desperate to qualify for the quarter-finals, it’s likely a heavily rotated side will be asked to do so whilst firepower waits on the bench just in case.
Norwich are themselves depleted due to injuries and embroiled in a relegation battle, perhaps giving the Reds an even greater luxury to rotate freely.
Safe passage through, minutes in the legs of squad members and a night off for a host of key players would be the perfect outcome.
