Derby v Liverpool: Confirmed LFC Team

Liverpool play Derby County tonight at the iPro Stadium in the EFL Cup (aka League Cup) and Jurgen Klopp has handed first competitive starts to two of the summer’s new arrivals.

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Loris Karius comes in for Simon Mignolet in goal, it’s the former Mainz keeper’s long-awaited Liverpool debut, his introduction to Klopp’s first XI delayed by injury during pre-season

There’s also a first competitive start for Marko Grujic, who signed in the January window but only became part of the Reds squad in the summer. His chances in the side have up until now have been restricted to appearances as a sub and tonight’s match gives fans – and of course the manager – to see what he can do from the off.

kariusIn all Klopp has made seven changes to Friday’s team, Roberto Firmino one of those to start tonight having missed the 2-1 win over Chelsea due to a minor groin problem. His compatriot Coutinho and fellow forward Origi are both in the side.

Emre Can is also in the 18-man squad, but Klopp has opted to keep him on the bench for now. Henderson and Lucas start.

Matip and Klavan are tonight’s centre-backs, with Alberto Moreno getting back into the starting line-up having missed out recently due James Milner’s performances at left-back. Clyne completes the back four.

Danny Ings is amongst the subs, Jurgen Klopp speaking this week about how impressed he was with his work and commitment to returning to fitness.


Derby:
35 Mitchell, 2 Christie, 16 Pearce, 6 Keogh, 29 Olsson, 12 Baird, 15 Johnson, 19 Hughes, 18 Butterfield, 24 Weimann, 11 Bent
Subs: 10 Ince, 20 Camara, 22 Blackman, 25 Lowe, 30 Elsnik, 31 Rawson, 32 Weale

Liverpool: 1 Karius, 2 Clyne, 32 Matip, 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 14 Henderson, 10 Coutinho, 21 Lucas, 16 Grujic, 11 Firmino, 27 Origi
Subs: 22 Mignolet, 6 Lovren, 7 Milner, 23 Can, 53 Ejaria, 19 Mané, 28 Ings

Referee: Graham Scott

Kick-off: 7:45pm BST