Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday evening, with head coach Andoni Iraola confronting several selection dilemmas ahead of the fixture.
The club returned to action on Saturday afternoon when a goalless draw was recorded against Fulham at Anfield.
The result extended a pattern of struggles to capitalise on home advantage in recent weeks.
Despite this, Iraola has maintained an unbeaten league record, though points have been surrendered in three of the opening four Premier League matches.
The cup encounter represents Liverpool’s third competitive fixture within a seven-day period, prompting questions regarding squad management.
During his tenure at Bournemouth, Iraola demonstrated reluctance to implement extensive changes in domestic cup competitions, making his approach to this tie particularly noteworthy.
In goal, Alisson Becker appears unlikely to start despite being available.
The Brazilian has made only two League Cup appearances across his eight-year association with the club, both occurring at the semi-final stage.
Giorgi Mamardashvili stands as the probable starter, with Freddie Woodman having featured in the competition on one occasion last season.
Defensive alterations are anticipated to extend beyond the goalkeeper position.
Much depends on Joe Gomez’s match fitness.
The defender has been absent for six weeks but resumed training last week and could feature either at right-back or centre-back.
Jeremy Doku appeared to be struggling during the closing stages of the Fulham match and may be given a rest, with Ronald Araujo available to shift inside having featured at right-back in recent outings.
Virgil van Dijk could continue in the backline but would typically be among those considered for rotation.
Should Gomez prove unavailable, Luke Chambers would be a candidate for inclusion, having featured during pre-season preparations.
The academy graduate is also capable of operating at left-back, where Kostas Tsimikas failed to make a strong impression when selected ahead of Milos Kerkez at the weekend.
At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to return to the starting lineup, particularly if Araujo is required in a more central defensive role.
Giovanni Loeni continues to be unavailable through injury.
The midfield presents another area requiring consideration.
The deep-lying partnership of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch failed to deliver a commanding performance on Saturday, while Florian Wirtz has struggled for consistency in the number ten position.
A complete overhaul of the engine room remains possible.
Szoboszlai, one of three vice-captains at the club, would represent a notable omission from the starting eleven should changes be implemented.
Alexis Mac Allister is pushing for inclusion, while teenager Trey Nyoni demonstrated promise during pre-season but is yet to begin a competitive match under Iraola.
James McConnell has occupied a place on the substitutes’ bench three times this season, with Endo another midfielder yet to see any Premier League action despite consistent selection among the replacements.
Last week, Iraola indicated that Jayden Danns could provide an alternative in the number ten role, a position Szoboszlai has previously occupied.
The versatile Koumas also offers options in wide areas, with Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz having started the Fulham fixture.
The head coach has expressed intent to rotate his winger options regardless of the competition.
Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha were introduced from the bench on Saturday.
Gakpo could be deployed centrally should Alexander Isak be given a break.
Jayden Danns, who featured in the matchday squad against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, provides another striking option.
Federico Chiesa remains absent from contention, having not featured in any match this season due to a back injury.