17-Year-Old ‘Secret Weapon’ To Start: Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Toulouse

How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently

Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, Caoimhín Kelleher has started in four out of five cup games. The 24-year-old particularly impressed in the EFL Cup, making five saves against an almost full-strength Bournemouth side. Expect him to start in the remaining group-stage games.

At centre-back, when available, are Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Jarell Quansah and Joël Matip have provided rotation options. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a staple in the side at right-back. In recent weeks, the left-back spot has been contested by Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas. Youngster Luke Chambers has even featured, making his debut this season.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been constants in recent weeks. However, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones have impressed in cup competitions, whilst Wataru Endo has struggled to get many league minutes (118).

The strongest front three consists of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Mohamed Salah. The trio have a combined 22 goal contributions in the league. However, with depth such as Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota on the bench, it seems unlikely that more than one of the stars will start against Toulouse.

Liverpool Recent Form and Tactics

The Reds have won four of their last five fixtures, scoring thirteen goals. In particular, Núñez and Salah have prospered. The pair have scored three and four respectively. It is clear that, whilst Salah is their best player, Liverpool would not have to look far for another goalscorer should he get injured.

There have been warning signs for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the past week. Firstly, in the EFL Cup, they struggled to break down Bournemouth. A Núñez wonder goal was all that separated the two sides. The Cherries equalised in the second half and squandered chances to go in front. Andoni Iraola’s players established dominance in the final 30 minutes, and Liverpool were fortunate not to concede.

Secondly, Liverpool drew 1-1 away at Luton Town on November 5. The Hatters were just minutes away from taking all three points, but Díaz rescued Klopp a point in the 95th minute. Luton even missed a big chance and had five shots on target, whilst Liverpool only had six. Their finishing cost them three points, as they missed six big chances – three by Núñez, with a similar story in the first half against Bournemouth.

Tactically, Liverpool have stuck with the 4-3-3. With Andy Robertson out, the left-back has varied. When Gomez has started, he has been more passive in possession, whilst Tsimikas prefers to run with the ball. Meanwhile, Díaz has been sidelined in recent games with a family crisis, leading to Jota starting three consecutive league games.

Liverpool Injuries to Consider

As previously mentioned, the biggest injury is to Robertson, who is out until the New Year, with a shoulder injury that required surgery. 

Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajcetic remain out, with the former not expected back until January and the latter with no estimate. These midfield injuries mean guaranteed minutes for Jones and Elliott. Jones should be available following a “minor fitness issue” that prevented him from travelling with the squad to Luton.

Ben Doak, an exciting young winger, was unavailable for the Bournemouth game. However, the 17-year-old has returned to training and was in the matchday squad at Kenilworth Road. Liverpool’s “secret weapon” will likely make his third start this season.

Mac Allister is suspended for the next league match (following the accumulation of five bookings), meaning he could start this game to help cope with the many midfield injuries.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup

GK: Caoimhín Kelleher

LB: Luke Chambers

CB: Joël Matip

CB: Jarell Quansah

RB: Joe Gomez

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

DM: Wataru Endo

CM: Curtis Jones

LW: Ben Doak

CF: Cody Gakpo

RW: Harvey Elliott