Report: Liverpool table request to sign Arsenal William Seliba
Liverpool are looking to add defensive steel to their side – and could this month with a stunning defensive deal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Liverpool are looking to bring in defensive solidity to bolster their Premier League title bid.
The Reds continued on their march in four competitions over the weekend, beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round. But while the attack has been glittering this season, the defensive side of things at Anfield has been questioned at times.
Virgil van Dijk missed the game yesterday, replaced by Jarell Quansah, with limited depth in defence available to Jurgen Klopp.
Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk applaud Liverpool’s fans after the 0-0 draw against Manchester United in December 2023.
Virgil van Dijk is still imperative to Liverpool’s defence
French outlet Le10Sport have claimed, however, that Liverpool are “advancing in talks” for Lille teenager, Leny Yoro, as Klopp looks to bring quality into the backline.
Named as one of FFT’s 50 most exciting teenagers to watch this season, Yoro has been a revelation in Ligue 1 this term, drawing comparisons to the likes of William Saliba for his strength and physicality in the backline. Already, he’s played 28 times at senior level.
With Les Dogues said to be demanding around £75 million for their youngster, a deal may not come cheap – but Klopp and co. may well look to structure a move for a superstar who’s still just 18.
Lille’s French defender #15 Leny Yoro celebrates with an opening goal during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Lille LOSC at The Roazhon Park Stadium in Rennes, western France on September 16, 2023.
Leny Yoro is a target for Liverpool
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Yoro, too, with Los Blancos currently without Eder Militao and David Alaba in their back four.
Yoro is valued at €25m, according to Transfermarkt.
Liverpool starting lineup to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup – predicted
Liverpool play their last game for 11 days, with the first cup final of the season in sight.
The Reds know a strong home performance before the mini-break could all but assure their first trip to Wembley since the 2022/23 Community Shield.
OneFootball Videos
The Carabao Cup semi-final with Fulham could hardly come at a better time for Liverpool form-wise. Jurgen Klopp’s men have won three in a row in all competitions and come into this one having just stunned Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round.
Liverpool are also unbeaten at home and can call on recent memories of one of the games of the season in their 4-3 win over Fulham at the start of December.
A better defensive display will be appreciated this time around. Scoring higher quality goals will be next to impossible.
Here’s how Klopp could line up his side to face Fulham for the semi-final first leg.
Goalkeeper & Defence
While Alisson Becker was preferred for the trip to the Emirates in the FA Cup on Sunday, Caoimhin Kelleher has started every one of the Reds’ Carabao Cup games thus far. It would be unlike Klopp to drop him at this stage.
Given there is an 11-day break between this game and Liverpool’s next outing, there’s little reason to suspect, Klopp won’t field a strong side on Wednesday in the hopes of getting the job done in the first leg at home.
The hero the last time these two sides met a month ago, Trent Alexander-Arnold should continue at right back, with captain Virgil van Dijk likely to be fit again following the illness that left him looking like ‘sh*t’ prior to the trip to Arsenal.
Ibrahima Konate put in a Man of the Match shift at the Emirates but his minutes are still being carefully managed. Jarell Quansah could be in line for another cup run out – having also played all the Reds’ Carabao Cup games in 2023/24.
Joe Gomez could get a rest here, after playing three full matches in a row. The recently recalled Owen Beck is an option to deputise.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister, ProShots
With Wataru Endo away at the Asian Cup and Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic and Dominik Szoboszlai all injured, Klopp options in the centre of the park are limited.
Alexis Mac Allister will start at the base of midfield, while Ryan Gravenberch – who was a second-half sub against Arsenal – may be a fresher option to start on the left side of the three, despite Curtis Jones’ impressive double in the quarters against West Ham.
Harvey Elliott should continue on the right side in the absence of Szoboszlai, while youngsters like Bobby Clark and James McConnell could be in the matchday squad once again.
Attack
Luis Diaz shone in the second half against Arsenal when moved to the right side of the front line. The Colombian may be used there from the start against Fulham to compensate for Salah’s unavailability.
Diogo Jota – another one whose game time is being carefully managed – may have done enough to earn a start with his recent displays. The Portugal international is the Reds’ second-top scorer in 2023/24 after Salah.
After that, it’s a toss up between Darwin Nuñez and Cody Gakpo through the centre, though the Dutchman is fresher, having only played an hour versus Arsenal.
Gakpo has also been a regular in this competition to date and no Liverpool player has scored more than his three.
Predicted starting XI to face Fulham:
(4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Beck; Elliott, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Diaz, Gakpo, Jota.
Liverpool starting lineup to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup – predicted 4 mins ago by Andy Headspeath
Something special brewing at Liverpool as winning mentality shines through 1 hour ago by Henry Jackson
FA Cup win showed why Arsenal are Diogo Jota’s favourite opponents 2 hours ago by Andy Headspeath
Leave a Reply