Both Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are ‘certain’ to start for Liverpool later this evening, the Liverpool Echo have reported.
A rare chance
Minamino and Origi have both been consigned to playing a back-up role at Liverpool this term.
But the pair did score in the last round of the cup for the Reds, as they cruised past Norwich City.
And the Echo reports that they will be back in Jurgen Klopp’s starting line-up later this evening.
Liverpool are expected to make multiple changes to their line-up tonight as they take on Preston North End.
Klopp’s men come into the game on the back of a hugely testing week, where they collected nine points out of nine.
That could lead to Klopp rotating heavily, with Minamino and Origi seemingly the beneficiaries.
Big changes ahead
For both of the pair it could be a good opportunity to show their own talents again.
Liverpool’s attack has been in wonderful form this term, with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and, of course, Mohamed Salah all at the peak of their powers.
It means that breaking into the Reds’ front line is a massive challenge for them both.
But if Minamino or Origi can get on the scoresheet tonight they will at least give Klopp some food for though ahead of the weekend, when the Reds are in action again.
A strong performance for Origi may help to win over some of the doubters he has.
While Klopp has always spoken up in defence of the Belgian, he has faced plenty of criticism in recent times.
Indeed, even just eight months ago Jamie Carragher claimed that Origi wasn’t Liverpool standard.
“They have Divock Origi but he’s nowhere near good enough,” the Reds legend said to Sky Sports. “And he a lot of the time plays out wide, because he can’t play as a centre-forward.”
Origi may well be playing as a centre-forward tonight, and against Championship opposition it appears a good opportunity for him to prove his worth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
