Liverpool XI vs Crystal Palace: Arne Slot set to hand 17-year-old debut in major lineup reshuffle
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to make several changes to his side for tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Crystal Palace at Anfield — including a surprise start for 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
Following the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium last weekend, Slot is likely to rotate heavily, with key names such as Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endo, and Andy Robertson all in line to return.
Liverpool head into the contest without a win in their last three meetings with Palace, who have already beaten them twice this season — first in the Community Shield via penalties and later in the Premier League at Selhurst Park. The Reds will be eager to bounce back and restore momentum after a mixed run of results that included a 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt before the Brentford setback.
Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is set to make his first start for the club, with Alisson Becker still injured and Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to be rested.
At the back, Conor Bradley should continue at right-back in the absence of Jeremie Frimpong, while Joe Gomez could partner Wataru Endo in central defence. Andy Robertson is anticipated to replace Milos Kerkez on the left.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones will undergo late fitness tests, while Alexis Mac Allister is expected to anchor the middle of the park alongside Trey Nyoni.
Up front, Chiesa and exciting academy talent Ngumoha are both pushing for starting roles on the wings, with Hugo Ekitike likely to lead the line in the continued absence of Alexander Isak, who remains sidelined with a groin issue.
Predicted Liverpool XI:
Woodman; Bradley, Gomez, Endo, Robertson; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Injured: Alisson, Frimpong, Leoni
Doubts: Isak, Gravenberch, Jones
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: 7:45 pm GMT, Wednesday, October 29, 2025
