Liverpool vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineup Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – Frustration. Is there any other word to better summarise the feelings around Pepe… without being rude? Capable of brilliance, while equally so painfully predictable when one-on-one with defenders, we’re all waiting for that ‘click’. The moment where he suddenly begins to show English football what he can do.

We thought it was the FA Cup final, but apparently he’s still not at 32-year-old Willian’s level. How much longer can we persist with the Ivorian not being up to scratch? I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a player to succeed quite like him, and that’s not just because of the price tag. Blow Liverpool away Nico, please.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Watching Nketiah be visible – and audibly – furious with his teammates for not squaring him the ball in the Leicester win has divided supporters. Some see it as petulance and being overly selfish – his own gains ahead of the team – while others laud his ruthlessness and desperation to succeed. I, for one, adore it.

I want to see Nketiah hungry, furious when he misses and selfish in front of goal. But there is a balancing act to be had. Hopefully with 90 minutes under his belt at Anfield we’ll see the phone come out, and him answer those calls.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Looked surprisingly good in the last round. Not because he isn’t talented, more because he’s been in and out of the team and only got his first real action of the season in the 2-0 win. Sure, there was rustiness in his display, but that is a result of a lack of match sharpness more than anything.

Nevertheless, he looked a threat on the ball, made positive runs into forward areas and was professional in his discipline, despite being fielded on his less preferred left hand side. I’m not hopeful, but instead expectant of another solid display from Nelson. Should cause Neco Williams a few issues down that flank.