Roberto Firmino makes a much-changed starting team sheet for Liverpool who welcome Arsenal to Anfield for the first leg of the semi-final clash in the EFL Cup.
Jurgen Klopp rings in major changes to the XI for the home side with the boss looking for his players to take advantage from the home support ahead of the reverse fixture later this month.
Alexander-Arnold handed starting role
There had been concerns over the fitness levels of the Liverpool star full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who had registered a positive test for COVID-19 at Anfield amidst the rise in cases.
Klopp, however, hands the starting berth to his defensive mainstay with another big change coming in the form of Joel Matip’s return to partnering with Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the backline.
Takumi Minamino comes into the attacking lineup
The absence of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, both of whom are away at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, forces Klopp to look for cover in the forward roles.
Joining Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino in the final third of the pitch is the Japan international Takumi Minamino with Divock Origi still sidelined.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s cup fixture:
Liverpool FC XI
🏆 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🏆
The Reds to face @Arsenal in the @Carabao_Cup semi-final! #LIVARS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 13, 2022
Arsenal FC XI
⚡️ Introducing your starting XI…
🏴 @KieranTierney1 at left back
🏴 @BukayoSaka87 starts
🇧🇷 @GabiMartinelli in attack🏆 #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/yqDBjKxock
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 13, 2022
