Even probably the most pessimistic Liverpool fan will most likely settle for that the Reds have booked their spot within the Europa League quarter-final.
Jurgen Klopp’s aspect boast a 5-1 final 16 first leg lead in opposition to Sparta Prague, with the second fixture in opposition to the Czech champions coming this Thursday at Anfield. To say the Reds have one foot within the final eight can be an understatement.
With a mouth-watering journey to Outdated Trafford to face rivals Manchester United within the quarter-final of the FA Cup this Sunday and an exhausting title conflict with Manchester Metropolis having simply been and gone, Klopp may do with resting a few of his key first-teamers in midweek.
With such a good-looking combination lead, that should not be a difficulty. Liverpool’s thrilling academy prospects will get one other run out in entrance of the Kop this Thursday, with Klopp having trusted his children in way more important fixtures already this season.
However which striplings ought to the Liverpool boss name on in opposition to Sparta?
Given how impressively and maturely he carried out in opposition to Man Metropolis final Sunday after changing the injured Ibrahima Konate, it feels harsh to label Jarell Quansah as considered one of Liverpool’s children. However the centre-back is simply 21 years outdated and has a mere six Premier League begins to his title, preserving out Erling Haaland in his most up-to-date one.
Klopp has hinted that Konate might be accessible for the weekend conflict with Man Utd within the FA Cup, with Quansah wanted to fill in for the Frenchman once more on Thursday. The Warrington-born defender has began 5 of seven Europa League video games this time period, and will probably be handed some extra invaluable European minutes in opposition to Sparta.
James McConnell has already confirmed himself to be an aesthetic operator in a defensive midfield function for Liverpool, displaying nice composure in possession for the Reds. The 19-year-old was spectacular off the bench within the Carabao Cup remaining in opposition to Chelsea, additionally managing his first senior help with a beautiful lofted cross through the 5-2 victory over Norwich Metropolis again in late January.
With Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister more likely to be bubble wrapped this Thursday as Klopp seems to be to guard them for the journey to Outdated Trafford, McConnell ought to make his third Europa League look regardless of not that includes within the reverse fixture.
One other of Liverpool’s younger Carabao Cup winners, Bobby Clark has been mightily spectacular since being thrust into the primary workforce by Klopp. The Reds supervisor confirmed his religion within the midfielder by bringing him on in opposition to Arsenal within the FA Cup again in January with the sport goalless on the Emirates Stadium, and the 19-year-old immediately regarded comfy on the massive stage.
Son of former Newcastle United participant Lee Clark, {the teenager} will get some extra minutes below his belt on Thursday having performed 25 minutes from the bench within the first leg. Clark additionally earned his first Premier League begin in opposition to Nottingham Forest in early March, and has proven nice poise, willpower and intelligence given his inexperience.
Lewis Koumas could not have made a greater begin to his Liverpool profession, netting simply 44 minutes into his debut in opposition to Southampton on this season’s FA Cup. The 18-year-old performed with loads of confidence in entrance of the Anfield crowd in opposition to the Saints and was rewarded for his bravery with a well-taken objective – even when there was a minor deflection.
The left winger may provide the indefatigable Luis Diaz a relaxation this Thursday, with the Wales Underneath-19 worldwide having been an unused substitute in Prague final week. He’ll be aiming to make his second Liverpool outing as memorable as his first.
Very similar to the remainder of Liverpool’s starlets, Jayden Danns made a fairly fast begin to life within the first workforce. The striker helped arrange Harvey Elliott’s fourth in opposition to Luton City on his debut, may have scored within the Carabao Cup remaining after which bagged a wonderful brace in his first begin in opposition to Southampton.
The 18-year-old native lad has regarded a category act since bursting on to the scene, together with his delicate dinked effort within the FA Cup maybe an indication of issues to return. The ahead missed the primary leg with a concussion sustained from the bench in opposition to Forest within the Premier League, however he will probably be determined to play an element in opposition to Sparta this Thursday.
