Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones are the new inductees into the Liverpool starting XI for today’s Anfield showdown against the league’s new boys Brentford.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will be looking for a return to winning ways after a nil-nil affair in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at home to Arsenal earlier this week.
Unchanged backline for the hosts
Klopp decides against ringing in changes to his defensive lineup which was on top form midweek as Joel Matip retains his starting berth despite Ibrahima Konate waiting in the wings.
Virgil van Dijk is the other centre-back option for Liverpool with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson slotting in the full-back roles.
Jones handed midfield berth
With Thiago Alcantara unavailable for selection, Curtis Jones comes into the midfield ranks for Jurgen Klopp’s side alongside Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
In the final third, Takumi Minamino drops down the bench after an unconvincing dislay int he Carabao Cup as Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain joins Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s cup fixture:
Liverpool FC XI
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴
The Reds to face @BrentfordFC 👊 #LIVBRE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 16, 2022
Brentford FC XI
🚨 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 🚨
🔙 @ricohenry14 returns
Presented by @BlueJeansNet #BrentfordFC #LIVBRE pic.twitter.com/Vasv48jv7t
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 16, 2022
