Jurgen Klopp must give these 3 Liverpool players a chance against Derby County
6 August 2016 - Pre-Season Friendly - International Champions Cup - Liverpool v FC Barcelona - Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Liverpool looks on from the touchline, sitting on a Gatorade cooler - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
After an easy ride against Burton in the second round, Liverpool return to EFL Cup action on Tuesday as they visit Championship side, Derby County.
The Reds are eight time winners of the League Cup and Jurgen Klopp will want to do well in any competition that offers silverware this season, without European football on the fixture list for at least one term.
A trip to lower opposition offers a potential banana skin but also presents the opportunity for other players in the side to show their boss what they can offer him in the first team.
The Merseysiders are hitting their stride in the Premier League with a 4-1 against champions Leicester and a 2-1 at Chelsea in that last two weeks, meaning it is a tough side to break into.
Therefore, those bought into the starting XI to face The Rams on Tuesday will want to do the up-most in order to remain in the thoughts of Jurgen Klopp when his mind turns back to Premier League action.
With that in mind, here are THREE players he should hand a start to at the iPro Stadium…
Danny Ings
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The former Burnley man is yet to make a first team appearance for the Reds so far this season, with two appearances for the development squad his only outings thus far.
With his attacking counterparts, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge reportedly not involved in training ahead of the League Cup tie, then the centre forward could well be in for a chance to impress.
Marco Grujic
Having arrived at Anfield over the summer after signing in January and being loaned back to Red Star Belgrade for the remainder of last season, the Serbian will be keen to get his chance to show off to his new manager.
His only first team action so far this season has been 13 minutes off the bench in the loss to Burnley, where he replaced England international, Adam Lallana.
Alberto Moreno
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The Spanish left-back has been the focal point of plenty of anger from Reds fans due to some sub-standard performances so far this season, which have resulted in him losing his place in the starting XI.
However, there is only one thing that can turn the former Sevilla man’s season around, game time. A game against ‘easier’ opposition in Derby County, provides the full-back with the perfect opportunity to boost his confidence and force his way back into Klopp’s thinking.