Do We Really Have Time for This? Liverpool v Notts County Preview

UK: 7:45 pm on SkySports1

US: 2:45 ET on beIN Sport

Liverpool come into this match on the back of two 1-0 victories that can best be described as nervy. However, none of that should matter as it is highly likely we will see an entirely different squad for this match. Expect the youth to get a run out, and this should include Ibe and Sterling who have seen surprisingly little playing time thus far.

Notts County on the other hand have not had the best start to their campaign having won only one of their first five matches and none of their four league matches. Given their poor start, which sees them currently sitting in relegation territory (although it is only 4 games in), you can rest assured this tournament means a lot to them and they won't take it lightly. I'm not going to pretend to know any more about League One sides because I don't.

Rodgers will have to be careful about his team selection, but a victory is a must. Failure to move to the next round against League One opposition will be a massive ostrich sized egg on his face and quite demoralizing even if few regulars are involved. In addition he clearly must keep one eye towards the massive clash with United and give the players the rest they need to come out and dominate.

Quick thoughts:

-Who will play in net? I would assume we'll see Jones, but Pepe did play a decent number of these matches before. (Adam)

-How much does this competition mean to Rodgers? It should mean a lot. Without Europa to run in some youth, he will need all of these side matches to keep them sharp and hone their skills. (Adam)

-I'm not sure that I like Ibe only playing cup competitions, but that seems how Rodgers wants to ease him into the squad. I thought for sure we'd see him in one of the two first matches even if only for a cameo (Adam)

-This will be a good time for Wisdom to show he has what it takes to play at the highest levels. After a relatively impressive year last season, he failed to impress in preseason. He has a chance to take advantage of the Coates injury, easier said than done though. (Adam)

-Does Martin Kelly see some time? Even if it's just off the bench, it'll be good to see the big man in a (pseudo) competitive game. (Matt)

-Of the entire squad, Fabio Borini probably has the most riding on this one. Sturridge is a locked-in starter, but Aspas was totally AWOL against Villa. Borini is a different type of forward than the Spaniard, but if he wants to crack the first XI he should probably, maybe, ya know put the ball in the back of the net. (Matt)

-Curious to see who starts at full back. Cissokho is a decent bet on the left, but I'd like to see Johnson switched out on the right. (Matt)

Our predicted team includes Jones, Alberto, Ibe, and Borini. Like Matt said, it's interesting to see about Aly. I think he played well despite only getting that 15 minute cameo or so, and I like the fact that he's willing and ready to play on the wing or in the back 4.

I'd also like to see Martin Kelly and maybe a kid the likes of Samed Yesil or Adam Morgan at least feature in the 18. (JAceKopite16)