Liverpool predicted XI vs Lincoln in Carabao Cup as quartet set for first starts

Jurgen Klopp may hand maiden starts to four players as Liverpool travel to Lincoln City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

The Reds boss is expected to make sweeping changes to the team which beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday for the trip to League One opposition.

Klopp has traditionally rotated his teams heavily for the domestic cup competitions and this means numerous new signings and academy starlets could make their first starts.

Rhys Williams is one such starlet and may make his senior debut at the age of 19 in central defence alongside Sepp van den Berg.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the Imps, Liverpool assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders heaped praise on Billy Koumetio, 17, but the slightly more experienced Rhys Williams is expected to get the nod.

Between the sticks, back-up goalkeeper Adrian is likely to feature, giving No1 Alisson the chance to put his feet up.

At right-back, emerging Welsh talent Neco Williams is likely start, while Kostas Tsimikas is expected to make his debut at left-back after his £11.75million transfer from Olympiacos last month.

Will a heavily-rotated Liverpool team be able to get the job done against Lincoln? Have your say here.

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In midfield, Klopp may balance experience with youth by fielding Curtis Jones, 19, and James Milner, 34, while Liverpool fans could also be treated to the sight of Thiago Alcantara in the starting line up.

The Spanish star came off the bench at half-time to produce a passing masterclass against Chelsea and could make his first start at Sincil Bank Stadium.

Meanwhile, another new signing could feature alongside Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino in attack, with Diogo Jota expected to play after completing his £45million move from Wolves at the weekend.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Adrian; N Williams, R Williams, van den Berg, Tsimikas; Milner, Thiago, Jones; Minamino, Origi, Jota

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