Liverpool return to action this evening in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth on the south coast, with Jurgen Klopp’s season revival taking shape.
Despite a disputed loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last month, the Reds are aiming for a silverware-laden season after falling by the wayside last year.
While the League Cup is not the most prestigious tournament, it provides an opportunity for healthy squad rotation and competition for silverware.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth team news
Liverpool will be without Spanish duo Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara, who are both recovering from injuries; likewise, Andy Robertson is still recovering from a shoulder injury incurred while on international duty with Scotland.
Ben Doak, a teenage star, is approaching a return from his injury and trained for the first time this week; he could play against the Cherries.
Cody Gakpo will be looking for his first start in a month after suffering a knee injury against Tottenham. He appeared as a substitute in both of Liverpool’s games last week.
On a more melancholy note, Luis Diaz is unlikely to be involved due to an ongoing family crisis, with his father’s whereabouts still unknown following his kidnapping in Colombia last week.
Stats for Luke Chambers vs. Toulouse
Luke Chambers, a 19-year-old full-back, might be given a second professional starting spot, with Kostas Tsimikas filling in after Robertson’s injury.
Chambers made his debut against Toulouse last Thursday night, and while Liverpool won easily 5-1, the “gifted” kid – as reporter Neil Jones has dubbed him – will be aiming for more crucial performances in the future.
Chambers played 67 minutes and 44 touches, completing 77% of his passes, according to Sofascore, but he will need to improve his defensive effort and aggressiveness after losing all five of his duels.
Despite a lack of positional awareness playing a role in Toulouse’s goal, This Is Anfield gave the starlet a 7/10 match rating, stating: ‘While he wasn’t necessarily great for Toulouse’s goal, failing to make the high line work, he didn’t look out of place and got forward to support the attack.’
Why Luke Chambers should play against Bournemouth
Following Robertson’s injury, Klopp has entrusted Chambers with a larger role in his first-team, and while he is young, he have the raw attributes to play a role, and a test against Premier League opponents in Bournemouth would be a wonderful step in his growth.
He is a prominent young member who has made 72 appearances for the Anfield side’s development squads, registering 13 goals and eight assists. A solid showing at the Vitality Stadium might cement a bit-part role in the team.
Chambers demonstrated a well-rounded game while on loan with Scottish side Kilmarnock last season, creating one key pass per game and 1.7 tackles and 1.4 clearances, according to Sofascore, but what is most impressive is his 62% win rate in ground duels, highlighting a crispness and precision that will serve him well.
Jarell Qaunsah, the Reds’ other youngster, will be hoping to be unleashed from the start after rising to prominence in the early stages of the season, having now racked up six appearances this term under Klopp’s wing and playing the full 90 against Leicester City in the previous round of the cup, earning a late assist.
The 20-year-old centre-back’s growth has coincided with the club’s need for more tenacity at the back, and Chambers may potentially follow in his footsteps on the left side of the defence.
Chambers’ loss might be Robertson’s gain, and while no rational Liverpool fan will be thrilled with the Scotland captain’s demise, the youngster could potentially prove his worth in the coming months.