Liverpool took on Leeds United in the EFL Cup game on Tuesday night in a bid to qualify for second consecutive semifinal in this competition and thats exactly how things pan out. However Leeds United looked the better side at Anfield and missed several chances before Liverpool finally broke the deadline totally against the run of play when lucky Origi goal put Liverpool 1-0 up late in second half and youngster Benjamin Woodburn made it 2-0 put pretty much end the tie in 81st minute.
Liverpool 1-0 Leeds United Highlights
[ English League Cup 2016-17 Quarterfinals ]
76′ 1 – 0 Divock Origi scores late in second half to put Liverpool in lead and book their place in the semifinals
81′ 2 – 0 Benjamin Woodburn
Match Highlights (English)
Liverpool are coming into this game on the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland over the weekend but it came at a price as Philipe Coutinho is ruled out for atleast 1 month due to anke ligament damage. Which means Klopp has to use his full squad in the next few weeks to get around a very busy festive period. Leeds United on the other hand are playing some good football under manager Gary Monk and currently sit in the playoff places in championship and they will be hoping to cause an upset and reach their very first major tournament semifinals since their surprise run to champions league semifinal back in 2000-01.
Team News & Possible Lineups: Last time these two meet was back in 2004 when Leeds were still in premier league and it turned out a exciting 2-2 draw at Elland Road. Klopp is likely to start with Divork Origi upfront while Daniel Sturridge is a still a doubt. We might see several Liverpool youngsters given a chance with the likes of Kevin Stewart and Marko Grujic starting in midfield. Alberto Moreno, Ragnar Klavan and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to start in backfour with Simon Mignolet in goal.
This is how I expect both teams to lineup on Tuesday night.
Predictions: Liverpool are in such great form at the moment its hard to see them losing against anyone. Leeds though played some good football will certainly make it difficult but in end Klopp’s men might prove too strong for Gary Monk’s side and I expect Liverpool to reach semifinals.