Liverpool vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineup Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – Many of us would be keen to see one of Matt Macey or Alex Runarsson get a run out, but it’s risk that either Premier League inexperienced goalkeeper will be given their first taste of action at Anfield – even if it is the Carabao Cup.

As Runarsson beds into the style of play he may get more minutes, but Leno is on course to be a near ever-present this season. Macey wasn’t even in the squad on Monday, so if anyone is going to start it’ll be the new signing. I just can’t see it happening.

Rob Holding (CB) – We have no fit defenders. Those that we do have, are either too old to play two/three times a week or not ready for top level English football. If we had drawn, say, Newport County, then we’d see William Saliba get the nod. As it is, Holding will be forced to keep his place in the starting lineup.

He could be in line for three games this week unless Arteta decides to throw Saliba in at the deep end.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – Another player who we’d rather keep rested for Sunday is Gabriel, who would be fit enough to start after dropping out of the previous Premier League lineup.

Sokratis is back in full training so could feature from the start, although there is a risk of him aggravating a previous injury setback….which would lessen our chances of selling him this window. Too great of a risk.

Sead Kolasinac (CB) – This is a tricky one. Kolasinac is now heavily linked with a move back to the Bundesliga, but unless Arteta reverts to a back four with someone like Cedric or Bukayo Saka at left-back, or recall Kieran Tierney, then the options are thin. Ideally he’d be nowhere near this lineup and putting pen to paper somewhere in Germany. Do we really want Tierney playing again, though?

With the potential of £10m+ to come from his sale, picking up an injury would be detrimental, both for him, us, and any possible incomings we’re after. Go down this route, or a back four? It’s tough.