Team News
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Loris Karius will keep his place in the starting eleven tonight. In his press conference the German boss stated that he is “fine with Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation. Yes, Karius could have saved 1st goal v City but he’s a really good GK. He has settled, a lot of things about his game are natural.” and his fellow countryman will be his number one for the time being.
Top scorer this season, Mo Salah, could also miss the tie due to illness, along with centre back duo Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren. This means a delayed Premier League debut looks on the cards for new £75million man, Virgil van Dijk, as he trained again this week. Skipper Jordan Henderson also returned to training on Thursday alongside Alberto Moreno.
Transfer News
Klopp insists Liverpool’s big money signing has already been made this window and will not look to replace new Barcelona boy Phillipe Coutinho. After the Brazilian magician left for sunny Spain the former Dortmund manger insist he isn’t looking to sign a replacement just yet, unless a signing “jumps in his face”.
This means that names such as Riyad Mahrez or Julian Draxler, both players that have been linked to the club, are very unlikely to move to Merseyside this month.
Daniel Sturridge continues to be linked with a move to Italy to join Inter Milan, with his game time limited at Anfield this season.
Youngsters
Steven Gerrard will look to help his side recover from their FA Youth Cup exit against Arsenal, with a home tie against Stoke in their next game on February the 2nd.
While the u23’s face will face Derby County on Sunday, looking to play how they did in their previous outing when they beat Charlton Athletic 4-1.
