Phil Thompson believes that Jurgen Klopp must win a trophy this year with the quality of squad he currently possesses.
Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday night as they face off in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Both sides are set to make changes, yet it will still be a star-studded night in Liverpool as Klopp takes on Blues boss Maurizio Sarri in their first domestic fixture of the season.
Phil Thompson considers how the hosts may shape up against the Stamford Bridge outfit, as well as the importance of maintaining momentum by progressing in the competition.
Speaking to Sporting Life, Thompson said: "He [Jurgen Klopp] has been so consistent with his selections so far in the Premier League and Champions League and now he has a great opportunity to give the other players a run out.
"Shaqiri will probably play, and they are looking at such a good squad now that he could literally pick a second team of what we call star names – Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, Fabinho.
"Keita will probably play, then there’s Origi if fit, Sturridge, Solanke and you are going through a whole host of players here and it’s a decent team."
Liverpool v Chelsea betting odds (via Sky Bet)
- Daniel Sturridge to score first: 11/2
- Alvaro Morata to score a header: 10/1
- Xherdan Shaqiri to score from outside the penalty area: 9/1
- Liverpool to win 3-1: 16/1
- Chelsea to win 2-1: 14/1
Despite it being a trophy that Liverpool have won in the past, the Reds legend believes that there are other competitions which rank higher on the list than the Carabao Cup.
"The priority, because of their start to the season, for me is that if you have a chance of winning the Premier League, that should be the number one target," Thompson stated, "it is closely followed then by the Champions League, so this would be the ideal opportunity for him to get a rest for the players."
Despite this being the case, Thompson thinks it is important to build momentum, though he does believe Klopp needs to win something this year too.
"Jurgen has to win a trophy this year. For the quality of squad he now has, he has to win a trophy," he continued.
"It gives him a great opportunity and I would gladly take the Carabao Cup, but you have to look where your priorities lie, which is what most managers do and make changes in these early rounds."
Phil predicts: Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea - Daniel Sturridge to score (Sky Bet odds: 30/1)
Odds correct at 1600 BST (26/09/18)
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