Liverpool team vs Arsenal predicted as Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz in but Ibrahima Konaté out

 

 

 

 

 

Liverpool takes on Arsenal in the FA Cup later today. Here, some of our writers select the starting XIs we would like Jürgen Klopp to choose at the Emirates Stadium.

 

Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez during a Liverpool training session. (Image: Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Liverpool and Arsenal can probably agree on one thing ahead of today’s FA Cup third-round tie: a replay is arguably the worst of all the scenarios. There will be no extra time in the event of a draw; instead the sides would have to reconvene at Anfield in a couple of weeks’ time.

With Jürgen Klopp already having faced a hectic fixture schedule in December, and his squad looking thinner by the week with injuries mounting, the Reds boss would really like to avoid that outcome. Winning, though, would mean one of the favorites for the competition having been knocked out. Liverpool would instantly become a lot more likely to win a quadruple this season.

So while the FA Cup is the lowest on the priority list for Liverpool right now — the Carabao Cup must be prioritized as the Reds are already in the semi-finals of that, taking on Fulham on Wednesday — it has to be taken seriously to avoid a defeat, a replay, or a big loss against a Premier League title rival. Arsenal is likely to go fairly strong with no game after this until January 20.

With all of that in mind, these are the teams that some of our Liverpool.com writers would select. And we’ll have all of the coverage from the Emirates across the website later today.

Matt Addison – Luis Díaz replaces Mohamed Salah

Let’s start with the easier picks and go from there: Alisson Becker should be in goal and Joe Gomez will be required at left-back because there is no one else. Virgil van Dijk should start at center-back and you probably have to go with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. I’d pick Diogo Jota from the off against his favorite team as well.

Jarell Quansah can play and leave Ibrahima Konaté to play midweek. Conor Bradley can have an hour at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold coming on (though it could just as easily be the other way around). I’m going to have Harvey Elliott in midfield rather than the attack and that leaves me with a front three of Jota, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz.

My starting XI: Alisson; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Elliott, Mac Allister, Jones; Díaz, Núñez, Jota

Predicted scoreline: 2-1 to Arsenal.

One thing to watch:Who plays on the right in the absence of both Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai?

James Martin – Ryan Gravenberch and Jarell Quansah come in

It’s a balancing act for Klopp in terms of his team here, with a League Cup semi-final right around the corner but then a bit of a break (provided there’s no need to replay this fixture at Anfield). The conundrums start with the goalkeeper.

Does Caoimhín Kelleher’s status as cup keeper extend this far? I’d be inclined to think probably not — he’s tended to only get the easier FA Cup fixtures, and he is already playing more than usual thanks to the League Cup run and the Europa League chances.

In front of him, Klopp should have no hesitation in using Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk as he chases the win. But Quansash has proved he can be trusted, giving Konaté a break. Owen Beck might have been thrown in here to finally relieve Gomez at left-back, but has carried a domestic cup suspension over from Scotland; it might have to be a daunting League Cup semi-final brief for him instead.

In midfield, Mac Allister’s return is timely, and he comes in to start. Curtis Jones is almost a must-pick at the minute, and the rotation next to him can see Ryan Gravenberch given a chance.

Then there’s the question of how to cover for Salah. I’m giving the task to Harvey Elliott, with support from Núñez and Díaz — perhaps the 20-year-old can then drop back into midfield against Fulham, with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo held back (at least from the start) for that one.

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FABIO CARVALHO: LIVERPOOL’S BRIGHT PROSPECT ON WEST BROM’S RADAR

TRANSFER BUZZ: WEST BROM’S BOLD MOVE FOR LIVERPOOL’S CARVALHO

In a striking development in the January transfer window, West Bromwich Albion have made a significant play for Liverpool’s young talent, Fabio Carvalho. This move could potentially mark West Brom’s first major signing of the season.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, in a tweet yesterday, has shed light on this intriguing scenario. According to Romano, not only have the Wolves expressed interest in the Portuguese forward, but several top Championship clubs are also vying for his services. Liverpool, meanwhile, remains undecided on the ideal destination for the 21-year-old starlet.

CHAMPIONSHIP CLUBS QUEUE UP FOR CARVALHO

Carvalho’s potential has not gone unnoticed, with clubs like Leicester City, Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Sunderland also throwing their hats in the ring. West Brom, however, seems particularly keen to fast-track this deal, recognizing the exceptional talent Carvalho could bring to the team.

CARVALHO’S IMPACT AT LIVERPOOL AND BEYOND

Since his standout season at Fulham, which catapulted him to Liverpool, Carvalho has demonstrated a remarkable blend of skill and work ethic. His willingness to engage in the game’s less glamorous aspects aligns perfectly with Carlos Corberan’s expectations of his forwards. At Anfield, Carvalho’s hard-pressing style and defensive contributions have shone through, underscoring his readiness for a key role in a competitive team.

CRUCIAL ADDITION FOR THE BAGGIES

For West Brom, plagued by injuries this season, securing Carvalho could be a game-changer. Not only would he offer fresh options and fill the void left by Jeremy Sarmiento, but he also represents a significant upgrade. His arrival could be the catalyst West Brom needs to elevate their game in the latter half of the season.

SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY

The race to sign Carvalho is heating up, and for West Brom, the time to act is now. A player of his caliber doesn’t come around often, and the Baggies must seize this opportunity to bolster their ranks with a player poised to make a substantial impact in the Championship.

In summary, West Brom’s interest in Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho adds an exciting dimension to the January transfer window. Carvalho’s potential addition could be the spark West Brom needs to rejuvenate their season.