Liverpool will host West Ham at Anfield for the Carabao Cup quarter-final, which is their second of three home games in eight days. The match could potentially boost their confidence ahead of their game against Arsenal on Saturday. However, this cup tie could also be a distraction for the team, especially since they have a growing injury list and limited options in midfield and up front. Despite this, assistant boss Pepijn Lijnders hinted at a strong team selection for the game, as the Carabao Cup is an important competition for the team to compete in and win. West Ham, who have found form recently, will be confident after their comfortable win over Wolves and their victory over Arsenal in the last 16 of the competition. The other quarter-final ties will take place on Tuesday night, and the draw for the semi-finals will take place after Liverpool’s game on Wednesday night.
- If the scores are level, the tie will go straight to a penalty shootout with no extra time.
- Klopp won’t be able to make 11 changes, but there are a few certainties such as Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Cody Gakpo. The extent of rotation is uncertain, with a stronger side indicating an intention to win the first silverware of the season. This is a winnable competition, and with three home games this week, Klopp may name a strong side.
- Anfield’s capacity will remain around 57,000 for this match, following Sunday’s highest attendance since 1963. The plan is to increase the capacity to close to 61,000 by the end of January. West Ham has sold out their allocation of 6,000 tickets.
- Liverpool has won the League Cup nine times, more than any other English side. A win here would put them in their 19th semi-final in the competition, a record.
- Tim Robinson from West Sussex has refereed Liverpool only once before, which saw them win 3-1 against Leicester in the third round of this season’s Carabao Cup.
- The match is live on Sky Sports for UK visitors, and This Is Anfield will provide biased and essential match coverage with Henry Jackson on liveblog duties from 7.30 pm.
