Liverpool travel to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Burton Albion in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted at fielding a strong side against the Championship team as they bid to recover from their weekend setback against Burnley.
After a flying start to the season with a victory at the Emirates, Liverpool were brought back to earth with a surprising 2-0 loss away to Burnley on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s men will want to erase memories of the disappointing weekend with a victory over Championship side Burton Albion in their League Cup encounter on Tuesday.
Liverpool made it to the final of the League Cup last season, only to lose out on penalties to Manchester City. The Reds will aim to progress a step further and possibly secure the season’s first piece of silverware this time around. After the shock defeat at Turf Moor, Klopp has indicated that he will field a strong side for the visit to Burton, but has admitted that he will make a few changes.
The German was quoted by the club website as saying: “We have never shown a lack of respect for one tournament and for sure we should show that again. There are easier draws, I don’t know exactly who plays against who but Burton are quite ambitious, and for them it’s a big game.
“In this moment I am really optimistic we will find a really good line-up and then we have to perform.”
Joel Matip, who is yet to feature in a competitive game for the Reds, could be set to make his Liverpool bow at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday. The defender, who arrived from Schalke during the summer, suffered an injury that kept him out of the opening matches of the Premier League season.
However, the 25-year-old Cameroonian international is expected to take Ragnar Klavan’s place at centre-back. Marko Grujic, Emre Can and Divock Origi could all make their first starts for Liverpool this season.
Grujic and Can return from their respective injuries and while the former came on late during the Reds’ game against Burnley, the German international is yet to feature. Divock Origi made substitute appearances during both his side’s league games so far and with Sturridge misfiring at Turf Moor, the Belgian will want to have his shooting boots on as he bids to keep the pressure on the England international for a place in the starting lineup.
Sadio Mane, who injured his shoulder while training ahead of the Burnley game, is set to be rested ahead of next weekend’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Meanwhile, Lucas Leiva, Loris Karius, Joe Gomez, Sheyi Ojo and Mamadou Sakho are all yet to return to full fitness.
