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Football London
Football London
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Gomez returns, Salah and Van Dijk rested - predicted Liverpool line up for Chelsea FA Cup tie

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could ring the changes for tonight's FA Cup fifth round tie against Chelsea.

The Reds suffered a surprise 3-0 defeat against Watford at the weekend and with important games on the horizon, it seems like the perfect chance for the German tactician to rotate his squad.

If previous cup ties are anything to go by then it will be a very different Liverpool team which takes to the field in west London.

Frank Lampard on challenging Liverpool and Man City for trophies

In the past two rounds against Everton and Shrewsbury Town, the Merseyside giants have named largely youthful sides.

However, Klopp who handed over first-team responsibilities to ex-U23's coach Neil Critchley for the replay  in the last round - has hinted that he will name a stronger team at Stamford Bridge.

"We want to go through, that is the plan. Hopefully that is what everyone will see," Klopp told reporters during his pre-match press conference at Melwood on Monday afternoon. "It's not about loyalty. These are our boys, they will be involved in the celebrations.

"Will they be involved tomorrow? I don't know.

"We don't want to lose football games. It's very important. It's the most important game as it's the only one we have.

"We have to win if we want to go through, you have one chance. It won't be easy. Two big teams play each other, it'll be interesting."

With that said, Klopp has been handed a double injury boost ahead of the game.

Joe Gomez missed the 3-0 loss at the weekend and we think he will return to the starting line up in place of Dejan Lovren, but alongside Joel Matip as Klopp could rest Virgil van Dijk ahead of games against Bournemouth and Atletico Madrid.

Adrian started against Everton as well as the original tie against Shrewsbury Town so it's possible Klopp keeps faith with his cup goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, we are predicting run outs for fringe players such as Takumi Minamino and Lallana. Meanwhile, youngsters Curtis Jones and Neco Williams could get a chance on the big stage.

This would also mean Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are among those rested.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Adrian; Williams, Gomez, Matip, Milner; Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones; Minamino, Origi, Lallana

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