Athletic journalist James Pearce has said he expects three Liverpool players to make their debuts tonight.
Liverpool are travelling to play the MK Dons in the Carabao Cup and Pearce tweeted to say it would be a “Big night” for the Liverpool youngsters.
He said that he thinks goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, striker Rhian Brewster and winger Harvey Elliot will all make their first appearance for Klopp’s side.
He said the “experience of Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana, Keita, Lovren and Gomez will be key”.
Off to Milton Keynes. Big night ahead for #LFC's young guns with a number of senior pros being rested. Expecting Kelleher, Brewster and Elliott to make their debuts. Experience of Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana, Keita, Lovren and Gomez will be key.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 25, 2019
Brewster the standout of trio
19-year-old striker Rhian Brewster is the pick of the Liverpool youngsters for us.
The striker has played at all ages in the England youth set-up and was praised by Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders ahead of the game. Lijnders said, “He has goals in him, he has technique, is good physically, he is a complete striker, and a typical number nine.” [Mirror]
It’s not the easiest time to be a promising young attacker at Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino so rock-solid in the starting XI.
Xherdan Shaqiri wasn’t starting much before his injury and Daniel Sturridge moved to Trabzonspor over the summer in search of game-time.
Klopp obviously rates Brewster, though, and blocked him going out on loan over the summer. He said there was a “special kid” in the Liverpool academy and while he refused to name him, Football 365 said it’s thought this player was Brewster.
If he does make his bow tonight there will be pressure on him to perform and he will be hoping for a better debut than Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, who started in the 0-0 draw against League 2 Colchester last night.
Tottenham crashed out on penalties but a similar result tonight would arguably mark an even bigger shock.