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Liverpool fans aren't too happy seeing Darwin Nunez and Caoimhin Kelleher start in their Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash against West Ham United.
The Reds take on the Hammers at Anfield tonight (December 20), looking to book their place in the semifinals. Jurgen Klopp's men head into tonight's game off a frustrating 0-0 draw against 10-man Manchester United in the league.
Klopp has made six changes to the side that drew with the Red Devils, including starting Kelleher instead of Alisson Becker. The Irish goalkeeper has been the Merseysiders' cup competition shot-stopper this season.
Kelleher has made nine appearances across competitions this season, keeping two clean sheets. He filled in for Alisson for two league games earlier this month when the Brazilian picked up an injury.
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The 25-year-old made history in the Carabao Cup back in 2022 when he was Liverpool's penalty hero in a final victory against Chelsea. Fans will hope he can put in a similar display tonight, although many don't appear to have high hopes.
Kelleher starts in goal, with Joe Gomez, Jarrell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Konstantinos Tskimkas in defense. Meanwhile, Wataru Endo partners Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in midfield.
Nunez starts in attack, alongside Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott. The Uruguayan forward has endured topsy-turvy form this season, managing seven goals and as many assists in 24 games across competitions.
However, the 24-year-old put in a questionable performance in Liverpool's draw against Manchester United. He spurned a golden opportunity to put the Merseysiders ahead with the goal gaping.
One fan doesn't appear to be a fan of Nunez and wants him sold:
"Why this bhadwa Nunez starting? Sell him in January ffs."
Another fan reckons Kelleher's will lead to a Hammers win:
"Kelleher….congrats West Ham."
Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Klopp's decision to start the duo against West Ham:
Jermaine Pennant urges Liverpool to sign Leroy Sane if Mohamed Salah leaves
Salah's future continues to be the subject of speculation following a summer that saw him linked with a departure. Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad tried signing the 30-year-old but had a £150 million bid reportedly rejected by the Reds, per The Guardian.
Still, there are question marks over Salah's future at Anfield as he has just over a year left on his contract. Liverpool will need to find a suitable replacement if he were to leave.
Jermaine Pennant believes Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane would be a worthy replacement. The former Reds midfielder alluded to the German's spell previously in the Premier League with Manchester City, telling TEAMTalk:
“Leroy Sane is a player that I think Liverpool could target if Salah were to leave. We saw him at Manchester City and how good he was there, he’s gone on to Bayern Munich and taken his game up a notch, so there are players out there.”
Sane, 27, has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals and providing as many assists in 23 games across competitions. He's valued by Transfermarkt at €80 million and has just over a year left on his contract.
