Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 24/01/24...

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Jurgen Klopp has made big change to Liverpool squad without anyone realising
With Cody Gakpo looking to make Liverpool history in the League Cup against Fulham, Theo Squires debates if this is Jurgen Klopp's strongest ever side

Cody Gakpo will make history for Liverpool if he scores against Fulham on Wednesday night.

The match-winner against the Cottagers earlier this month in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals, should he find the net again at Craven Cottage, he will become the first player in the Reds' history to score in five consecutive fixtures in the competition.

While the Dutchman only has three Premier League goals from 19 appearances so far this season, he has scored in each of Liverpool's four League Cup outings during the current campaign.

Starting upfront against Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth in the third and fourth rounds, he equalised in a 3-1 win against the Foxes before opening the scoring against the Cherries as the Reds' ran out 2-1 victors.

Leading the attack again against West Ham United in the quarter-finals, he scored Liverpool's third on the night in a 3-1 win before netting the winner off the bench against Fulham last time out in the League Cup.

As a result of such a scoring run, he is the second leading goalscorer in the competition. Only Morgan Rogers has more, netting his fifth League Cup goal of the campaign against Chelsea on Tuesday night. But with such a strike only a consolation at Stamford Bridge in a 6-2 aggregate loss, the Reds forward will be hoping that if he does get his own name on the scoresheet again, it will come in much more positive circumstances.

Of course, it was a similar story in the Liverpool camp the last time Jurgen Klopp's men won the League Cup back in 2022. Takumi Minamino was the second leading goalscorer in the tournament that year with four goals, having followed up a third round brace against Norwich City with strikes against Preston North End and Leicester City.

Yet he was an unused substitute for the final as the Reds beat Chelsea on penalties. A cup specialist that season by also scoring three goals in the FA Cup (which again made him second-leading goalscorer in the competition), that was without even making the matchday squad for the semi-final meeting with Man City and final rematch with Chelsea at Wembley.

Minamino would score 14 goals from 55 appearances, registering three assists, during two years at Anfield. Six would come in the League Cup (43%) with such a total rising to 10 from both domestic cup competitions and the Community Shield (71%).

The Japanese was unable to replicate such form in the Premier League though, scoring only four times from 30 appearances for Liverpool. In contrast, Gakpo's own top-flight record for the Reds currently stands at 10 goals from 40 appearances, with his overall return 16 goals and five assists from 54 appearances.

He will match Minamino's own total number of matches for Liverpool should he feature against Fulham. Admittedly, Gakpo has started considerably more, boasting 38 overall starts compared to Minamino's return of 21.

Would the Japan international boast a superior scoring record had he been handed the same starting opportunities as the Dutchman? Or is Gakpo just a superior fit to Premier League football? You can make your own minds up about which side of that debate you fall.

But how would they each have fared in the other's shoes? If it had been the latter who had to contend with competition from the untouchable attacking triumvirate of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino?

Diogo Jota successfully broke such a trio up, before you reassess Minamino's Anfield timing. But it does beg the question, could Klopp's current squad be well on its way to being the best of his Liverpool reign?

Had the Reds won successfully won the quadruple in 2021/22, they would arguably be the greatest side in the club's history. But while they won both domestic cups, largely thanks to Minamino's efforts on the road to Wembley, they fell agonisingly short at the final hurdle in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Then asked to go again in 2022/23, it ultimately proved to be a season too far for experienced lieutenants Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, and Firmino.

Now we are witnessing 'Liverpool 2.0', a squad that boasts a blend of experienced players that have won it all in the likes of Salah, Virgil van Dijk,, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Andy Robertson, exciting young talent that was previously on the fringes to such success like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, and elite successors to former stars who still boast their peak years ahead of them in the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Nunez.

This side currently boast a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, are 90 minutes away from the League Cup final, and are set to compete in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend. And while the Europa League knockout stages aren't as glamorous as the Champions League, Liverpool are favourites to win the tournament after booking their place in the round-of-16, and will surely return to UEFA's elite club competition next season.

At which point this young, exciting 'Liverpool 2.0' will be a year older and wiser, with the majority still not in their peak years. This is very much the start of Klopp's second side, with the best still very much to come.

Every player is playing their part. In recent weeks, the Reds have often been without as many as 10 senior players, but that has just opened the door to the likes of Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and, most recently, Conor Bradley to step up. And while the Northern Irishman perhaps won't start too often when Alexander-Arnold returns from injury, the likes of Gakpo, for example, will never fall to the fringes in the same way as Minamino.

This is arguably Klopp's current squad's greatest strength. Two years ago when challenging for every major honour, if a Minamino, Divock Origi, or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, started, it was a noticeable drop-off. They would not start decisive Premier League or Champions League matches with everyone fit and available.

But now, so many of Klopp's ranks are interchangeable. Sure, there are perhaps four players who are nearly always guaranteed to start in Van Dijk, Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson. But how many others can feel the same?

Robertson previously boasted such a status before dislocating his shoulder and being ruled out for three months. First Kostas Tsimikas and then Joe Gomez shone in his absence, with the latter perfectly capable of starting anywhere across the defence. Likewise, there are no qualms about Jarell Quansah having to start at centre-back if Konate drops out, while Bradley will look to ensure the same can soon be said about him.

At the start of the season, there were doubts about Klopp's options at holding midfield. Both Mac Allister and Wataru Endo took time to adjust to the role at Anfield, but both have shone when turned to in recent weeks. When the Japanese returns from Asian Cup duty, the German will face a big dilemma.

Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch make up the remaining midfield options who have been available this season, with Alexander-Arnold also entering the conversation. There is no clear, obvious first-choice trio in total contrast to the days of Henderson, Fabinho, and Wijnaldum/Thiago Alcantara.

And in attack, it remains Salah and two others as Gakpo, Nunez, Jota, and Luis Diaz battle it out to start. All scoring big goals in the absence of the Egyptian to Africa Cup of Nations duty, they are all more than capable of earning starting status.

Admittedly, 'Liverpool 2.0' still has a long way to go to emulate, or even surpass, Klopp's first great side. Such club legends only earned such after after being crowned champions of England, Europe, and the world, after all. But the seeds of strength have been sewn in the next generation.

The Reds have rotated in the League Cup and Europa League this season, and will do so for the FA Cup. But, as Gakpo has perhaps best shown, starting in such competitions does not mean you won't be when Premier League action returns. Perhaps that is the biggest 'advantage' of playing in UEFA's secondary competition, that there is the additional space for increased rotation, with the entire squad benefitting from rhythm as a result.

But if Liverpool were to take part in the Champions League final tomorrow, with everyone fit, Cody Gakpo could easily find his name in Jurgen Klopp's starting XI. As well as he did when handed, albeit sporadic, starting opportunities, Takumi Minamino could never claim the same.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jurgen-klopp-made-big-change-28505927

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Agent rules out Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest move for £7m striker
The agent of Krasnodar striker Jhon Cordoba has ruled out a January move to Premier League duo Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest after Fulham removed their name from the frame earlier this week.

With 21 goals last season, and a further 11 this, the well-travelled Jhon Cordoba has produced the best football of his career since moving to Russia. So much so that, with a number of Premier League clubs looking for attacking reinforcements during the winter window, Cordoba's name is doing the rounds among teams loitering from the mid-to-lower reaches of the division.

According to The Standard, there is interest from a Nottingham Forest side who recently lost Taiwo Awoniyi to a long-term injury. Crystal Palace, averaging only slightly more than a goal-per-game under Roy Hodgson, have also been mentioned in conjunction with the bruising, 6ft 2ins Colombia international.

But, despite reports suggesting that Krasnodar may consider a loan-to-buy deal in the £7 million bracket, Cordoba's representative has left no one in any doubt about what the immediate future holds for the one-time La Liga and Bundesliga hitman.

Premier League move ruled out for Russia-based striker
"Jhon will stay at Krasnodar until the end of the season," Christian Wine tells RB Sport.

Wine's comments come a day after Fulham removed themselves from the discussion. Brian Talbot, a scout at Craven Cottage, seemingly rubbished reports linking Cordoba with a switch to West London.

"The information that we want to loan Cordoba with an option-to-buy in the winter transfer window is not correct," Talbot tells Match TV.

Fulham rule themselves out of the race
With neither Jean-Philippe Mateta nor Odsonne Edouard squandering the ammunition provided by Michael Olise and Ebere Eze, HITC Football understands that Crystal Palace hold an interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja and the prolific Vangelis Pavlidis of Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are edging closer to the potentially inspired acquisition of Borussia Dortmund playmaker Gio Reyna, HITC has been informed.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2024/01/24/agent-rules-out-crystal-palace-or-nottingham-forest-move-for-7m-striker/

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Liverpool Matchday Preview
Fulham v Liverpool | Wednesday 24th January | 8.00pm | Craven Cottage | #FULLIV
The opposition

    Liverpool are enjoying a successful season so far and sit pretty at the top of the Premier League having not lost a game in that competition since late September 2023.
    The Reds last played as recently as Sunday afternoon, beating Bournemouth convincingly scoring four without reply on the South Coast.
    In recent times the Whites have always given Liverpool a good game, only losing by a single goal in each of the last three highly dramatic contests.

Fulham team news

There are no changes to Marco's squad availability from recent times, as Adama Traoré is the only absentee with injury. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Fodé Ballo-Toure are all still at AFCON.

Liverpool team news

The Reds are without some key players for this one with top scorer Mo Salah being at AFCON and also injured, whilst Trent Alexandar-Arnold remains sidelined with a knock alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Kostas Tsimikas. In more positive news for Liverpool, Curtis Jones looks to be okay after coming off with a slight strain against Bournemouth on Sunday, and Andy Robertson will travel after being out since October.

Tickets

This match has completely sold out. Fans who need to print their tickets at home can see a guide to access them here.

Weather

It's looking like it'll be a relatively mild night in SW6, with temperatures forecast to be around 9 degrees at kick-off with a low chance of rain.

Extra-time

If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties will be played. Away goals do not come into play.

Player insight

João Palhinha spoke passionately to FFCtv about how he and his side are looking to "make history" on Wednesday night by getting Fulham to Wembley.

"When you make history for a club you will be your name written in the history, this is the most important thing.

"It's the only thing that people will remember."

Coverage

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, while FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary of the game from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Arrive Early

Fans are advised to arrive early and be in their seats well before kick-off. To accomodate this all stands will be opening at 6pm, except for the Putney end which opens at 6.30pm.

Travel Information

Supporters attending tomorrow's Carabao Cup Semi-Final tie at Craven Cottage are advised that after the match, there will be no trains stopping at Putney Bridge station. Further information can be found here.

Form

Fulham: LWWLL

Liverpool: WWWWW

Top scorers

Fulham: Raúl Jiménez (5)

Liverpool: Mo Salah (18)

Matchday programme

Our fans' excitement ahead of our Carabao Cup Semi-Final, Second Leg match against Liverpool is shared by our players including defender Tosin, who features in Wednesday evening's matchday programme. 

"There's only one goal in the tie, so it's all to play for back at the Cottage in the second leg," says Tosin. "We know what it would mean to the supporters to reach a cup final and, of course, that's what we're dreaming of as players and what we're pushing for. We'll do our absolute best to reach a first League Cup Final for this Club."

Elsewhere in the programme, Club historian Alex White looks explore previous cup meetings between the Whites and Reds, while Kenny Tete chooses a fantasy five-a-side team of players he has played against during his career, which includes a current Liverpool first teamer.

Priced at £4.00, you can pick up a copy of the programme on the day or online. 

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/23/liverpool-matchday-preview/

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Marco's Pre-Liverpool press conference
Marco Silva addressed the press ahead of Fulham's Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg against Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening.

It's positive team news going into the fixture, with no fresh injury concerns going into tie: "Adama is still out. All the others will be available," Marco confirmed.

It has been a remarkable turnaround for Marco's side in the Carabao Cup from last season, where we crashed out of the competition in the first round against Crawley Town.

"My ambition is to always play cup competitions and go further," said Marco, when asked about his approach to the cup competitions.

"The first game in the Carabao Cup was poor last season. It was an important moment for us to talk about the approach in the future."

Wednesday night's fixture opens up the opportunity for Fulham to reach their first Cup final in the competition but have to come up against a tough Liverpool side who have the goal advatange going into the second leg.

"Our focus is really on the next one," said Marco. "It's going to be so, so important for us. We are talking about a Semi-Final.

"A chance to play a Final, a chance to play at Wembley.

"Normally we don't plan ahead for the next two or three games, our focus has always been like that since I arrived here.

"The next one is always the most important but one but we have to be honest, the next one [Liverpool] is the most important one."

Marco was also asked about whether this game was the biggest game during his time in England, in which he responded: "It is one of them, yes, but I want to have another one next month."

Our manager also took the opportunity to talk up the fans at Craven Cottage, encouraging them to make the noise that will help to guide the team into a final at Wembley.

"They are going to be crucial. They are going to play a big part," he said.

"We need them always behind the team. We want to make Craven Cottage really difficult for Liverpool."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/23/Marcos-Pre-Liverpool-press conference/