Carabao Cup 2019-20: Predicting Liverpool's starting line-up against MK Dons

Liverpool will face League One side MK Dons in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, with Jürgen Klopp fully expected to field a completely rotated team. The Reds manager has mentioned his relative indifference to the domestic cup competitions and has apparently been told to sacrifice them for a stronger pursuit towards Premier League and Champions League success.

The Reds have not won a single League Cup game since November 2016 and while this provides the perfect opportunity to end the barren run, the German will likely give a chance to the youngsters in his squad. Liverpool have a varied crop of fringe players, players who have not played that often, or even at all, this season. They will get an opportunity to go out there and perform at Stadium MK.

Klopp's assistant, Pepijn Lijnders, spoke about the importance of balance between youth and experience for the game. One should expect a fully second-string side for the Reds, with a few big names on the bench for insurance. Here is the likely starting line-up for Liverpool against MK Dons in the League Cup.

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher

With Adrian deputizing for the injured Alisson Becker already this season, a midweek rest would be extremely likely for the former West Ham goalkeeper. Liverpool might end up giving a competitive debut to young Irishman, Caoimhin Kelleher. Jürgen Klopp sees big things for the 20-year-old shot-stopper and a League Cup appearance would help to further groom him for the big games.

LB: Yasser Larouci

There are multiple names in this predicted line-up who are yet to feature in a competitive game for Liverpool and Yasser Larouci is another one of them. The 18-year-old left-back was mightily impressive for Liverpool in pre-season, showing a lot of promise. However, a knock has put his inclusion in doubt. If Larouci is fit he will start the game but if he is not, expect Adam Lewis, another young prospect, to step in.

CB: Joe Gomez

It is crazy to think that Joe Gomez is considered one of the most experienced players in this projected line-up. The 22-year-old has been a part of Liverpool's first team for over four years now and has become a semi-regular at Anfield. The only thing keeping him from playing every game is the brilliant form of Joel Matip. Gomez needs game time to remain sharp, so this is a great place for him to get just that.

CB: Dejan Lovren

Another senior player who would require some game time is Dejan Lovren. The Croatian is now Liverpool's fourth choice center-back but is still a good option due to his vast experience. Lovren also needs minutes, now that they have more or less dried up for him in the Premier League. He is one of the most experienced members of the entire squad and has great value as somebody Jürgen Klopp could ideally rely on in case of injuries.

RB: Ki-Jana Hoever

Rounding off a completely new-look back four for Liverpool is 17-year-old Dutchman, Ki-Jana Hoever. Like Larouci, the teenager has impressed Jürgen Klopp in pre-season. Hoever has already made his Reds debut, coming on as an early substitute during the 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup third round last season. Hoever played as a center-back in that game and did a good job, despite the defeat. His versatility could be huge for Liverpool in the years to come.

DM: Adam Lallana

Once upon a time, Adam Lallana was a hot favorite of Jürgen Klopp at Anfield. He was one of Liverpool's best players in 2016 and a key part of their pressing game. However, as the years went on, the Englishman's injury problems began to mount. He was injured for the majority of the previous two seasons, but now it seems like Klopp has found a new role for him. Lallana spent this pre-season playing in defensive midfield and is likely to feature in said position tonight at Stadium MK.

CM: James Milner

In the likely absence of Jordan Henderson, James Milner will lead this young Liverpool team out against MK Dons. His experience and engine are both extremely crucial to the Reds' chances in the game. Milner would ideally play on the left side of the midfield three, so he can help Yasser Larouci (or Adam Lewis) settle in nicely during their debut. The former Manchester City midfielder is an especially calming presence in this line-up and hopefully, provides Liverpool's youthful frontline with some good service.

CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another first-teamer who needs minutes, amidst the ridiculously high level that his teammates are performing at. The former Arsenal man operates best in a central role, as seen during the Super Cup when he failed to make an impact from the left-wing. Chamberlain became a key man for the Reds prior to his unfortunate injury in April 2018, so he is still on the road to reaching that high level. He would be the main attacking threat from midfield against MK Dons, with a huge opportunity to show Jürgen Klopp that he is ready for more game time in the Premier League.

LW: Naby Keita

So far, Naby Keita's time at Liverpool has not been the best. He took a while to get going and has been ravaged by injury problems. However, the Guinean did show some signs of real promise. We can see why Jürgen Klopp desperately wanted his services, the signs are there. Keita returned to full training recently and is set to make his return from his hip injury. Hopefully, that is the last of his troubles with being fit for this campaign at least.

RW: Harvey Elliott

Ideally, Xherdan Shaqiri would have started for Liverpool in this game but the forward has been ruled out due to a calf injury, leaving an open spot in the Reds' makeshift attack. Harvey Elliott could be the one to step up. He is only 16 years of age and became the youngest ever player to play in the Premier League in May, turning out for Fulham. Elliott was one of Liverpool's three signings during the summer and has already been a pleasant surprise, according to Pep Lijnders. The young winger could make a decent first impression at the Anfield club if given the opportunity tonight.

ST: Rhian Brewster

Despite not playing a single minute for Liverpool, Rhian Brewster has a Champions League winner's medal as he was on the bench for the final against Tottenham Hotspur. The young striker is surely aware of the expectations of him at Anfield, showing signs of brilliance throughout the youth level. This pre-season, Brewster seemingly solidified his reputation as a master poacher after scoring a few goals across multiple games. The 19-year-old is the likeliest of all the prospective debutants to actually start tonight's game against MK Dons. With supply from the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita among others, we could be in for an exciting debut for young Rhian Brewster.