Liverpool vs. Leeds
United
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 –
7:45pm (GMT)
Anfield
League Cup
Referee: Andre Marriner
The Reds battled their way to a 2-0
win at home to Sunderland in the
Premier League on Saturday, but
attention now turns to the League
Cup.
Liverpool were defeated on penalties
by Man City in last season’s final, and
Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to go
one better this season.
A resurgent Leeds side travel to
Merseyside attempting to cause an
upset, with Garry Monk’s side in the
Championship play-off positions
currently.
While Liverpool will understandably be
strong favourites to progress, they will
not have it all their own way against a
club with great history of their own.
The Reds and the Whites have had
some memorable clashes down the
years, from the hot-headed Charity
Shield showdown in 1974 to
Liverpool’s late show at Elland Road in
the FA Cup fourth round in 2001.
Tuesday’s encounter could provide
more drama in a classic British
footballing matchup—a win for
Liverpool puts them closer to a first
piece of silverware in five years.
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Last Meeting
Leeds were relegated from the Premier
League in 2004, with their last league
showdown with Liverpool a 2-2 draw
at Elland Road in February of that year.
It was five years before the two teams
met each other again.
That meeting came in the League Cup
third round, with Rafa Benitez ‘s Reds
sneaking a 1-0 victory at the home of
their opponents.
The game’s only goal came via the
right foot of much-maligned striker
David N’Gog, with the Frenchman
finishing clinically to send his side
into the fourth round.
It is now over seven years later, but
Liverpool supporters will hope for the
same outcome.
Opposition Q&A
We spoke to Leeds fan Rik Cridland
( @RikCridland) to get his thoughts on
Leeds’ season and their chances of
springing a shock at Anfield.
Leeds currently sit 5th in the
Championship table—this must be a
joy after so many years of
disappointment, right?
We are Leeds fans, we won’t be taking
anything for granted! Yes, it’s very
nice to be up there, but sadly the last
15 years has taught us to be wary.
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Things change very quickly in football
and particularly with an owner like
Massimo Cellino. But yes, the team’s
good to watch at the minute, so we’re
enjoying ourselves.
Who do you see as Leeds’ key men
going into the game?
It’s tricky to know what team Monk
will go for, as he’s mixed it up in
previous rounds, but I’d expect the
big man Pontus Jansson to come
back in. He and Kyle Bartley at
centre-back have been awesome this
season.
Also keep an eye out for Hadi Sakho,
a winger with bags of pace and
trickery. On his day, he is very exciting
to watch and creates chances from
nothing.
Switching our attention to Liverpool,
how do you rate them this season?
Any players you’re particularly fond
or scared of?
It’s nice to see Liverpool doing well
and playing some attractive football.
I’ve heard people question whether
you can defend, but given your
propensity to score five or six goals at
the other end, who cares?
Frankly, all your forward line are scary
so we’re just hoping you lot have an
off day.
If I have a favourite Liverpool player
it’s going to be James Milner , isn’t it?
Amazing to think that he was only 17
when we last played you guys at
Anfield in 2003.
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What’s your prediction for Tuesday’s
game—a shock on the cards?
If it had been at Elland Road I’d have
been more optimistic about us getting
a result, but it’s going to be tough. We
just have to hope you guys have an
off game and we can rattle you a little.
If we can keep it tight and maybe even
nick an early goal, who knows? I’m
going for 1-1 and then penalties.
Leeds to win.
Team News
Klopp has been dealt a blow with the
news that Philippe Coutinho will be
until for the rest of 2016, after he
suffered ankle ligament damage
against Sunderland.
In truth, the Brazilian was likely to be
rested for the visit of Leeds anyway,
but longer term, it could be damaging
to Liverpool’s title aspirations.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana are
both also out with respective calf and
groin problems, although the
attacking duo should be fit sooner
rather than later.
Roberto Firmino is unlikely to feature
either, having not trained on Monday.
The Reds’ starting lineup is expected
to be much-changed on Tuesday, as
was the case against Tottenham in the
last 16, when Klopp made 11
alterations.
Simon Mignolet, Trent Alexander-
Arnold , Lucas Leiva , Ragnar Klavan
and Alberto Moreno could all come
into the back line, while youngsters
Marko Grujic and Ovie Ejaria will hope
to start in midfield.
Divock Origi should lead the line after
his match-changing strike against
Sunderland, and prodigious teenager
Ben Woodburn could also feature,
having made his senior debut on
Saturday.
Form
Liverpool – Last five results (all
competitions)
Won 2-0 vs. Sunderland
Won 6-1 vs. Watford
Won 4-2 vs. Crystal Palace
Won 2-1 vs. Tottenham
Won 2-1 vs. West Brom
Leeds – Last five results (all
competitions)
Won 2-1 vs. Rotherham
Lost 2-0 vs. Newcastle
Won 3-2 vs. Norwich
Won 2-0 vs. Burton
Drew 2-2 vs. Norwich (won 3-2 on
penalties)
Klopp’s View
Klopp spoke about Origi’s lack of
opportunities this season, saying it is
something you have to deal with as a
footballer:
“There’s no alternative to being
patient. Moan everyday? Talk to me
everyday?
“That’s the way it works. It wasn’t the
most easy time for him, but it’s not
that it’s the worst time in his life.
“The group is very respectful. It’s a
good group, so how we handle the
players—as long as they want and as
long as they work—they can get all
the help they want.
“It’s the same for Divock and a few
other players. If you have a quality
group it’s more difficult to go through
the door.
“It’s not that serious or hard. It’s not
nice, but it’s training, with good
people around. That’s good and he’s
in a good way again.”
One to Watch: Charlie
Taylor
Back in August, Liverpool were
loosely linked with a move for Charlie
Taylor, but it never came to fruition.
The 23-year-old left-back is a
talented young player, and at 6’1″ tall,
he is not one to be daunted by a
physical challenge either.
It will be worth keeping an eye on
Taylor on Tuesday evening to see if
he has the potential to be a future
Reds player.
That is, of course, assuming he starts.
You can never second-guess
managers in the League Cup these

www.thisisanfield.com/2016/11/league-cup-semi-finals-within-touching-distance-liverpool-vs-leeds-united-preview/

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