Liverpool look set to field one of the most inexperienced teams imaginable tonight as they travel to Exeter amid a hectic Premier League schedule and an ever growing list of injuries to first team players.
Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of the FA Cup third round clash and the German confirmed that the team that takes to the field live on BBC this evening will be one that few Liverpool fans will have seen before. Essentially, it's expected that the club's u21 team, with a few returning loanees, will be entrusted with getting past the League Two side.
When asked what kind of team that it would be, Klopp confirmed that it will be 'very young, that is for sure'.
None of those players who played the last five or six games in a row will play at Exeter. That is not possible. Then we can try and make a team. It is not easy, but we will try and find one.
Anticipating the whirling minds of tabloid subeditors, Klopp went on to explain that there's nothing disrespectful in his choice of starting XI.
I have big respect for the FA Cup. If someone is not interested in my situation, how can I be interested in their opinion? We have the situation that we have.
If someone wants to write a headline, it is not the truth because we respect the FA Cup. That is one reason for the team we will play at Exeter.
The central defensive problems are well known and the one sprinkling of experience in tonight's lineup may be one of the most surprising additions to the lineup. Former Instagram star Jose Enrique looks likely to slot in at central defence alongside Tiago Illori who was recalled from his loan at Aston Villa this week.
If that does happen, it will be the first time in almost a year that the Spaniard has appeared for the first team after being frozen out of things under Brendan Rodgers. If Enrique is needed in central defence then it's expected that Brad Smith will line out at left back with Conor Randall filling in on the right.
Outside of Enrique and goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, the age profile of the squad is incredibly young. Wingers Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Kent have both been recalled from loans, as has midfielder Kevin Stewart and all three are expected to come in to the starting lineup according to the Times' Tony Barrett. Cameron Branagan and Joao Teixeira are expected to join them across the middle with Jerome Sinclair starting up front.
Expected Liverpool team to face Exeter:
