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Eagle-eyed Liverpool fans jokingly spotted a minor error in the club’s pre-match graphic ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Crystal Palace.
It’s a meeting of the Premier League and FA Cup holders at Anfield, with one side set to strengthen its chances of further silverware this season. The clubs have also already met twice this season, with Palace winning in the Community Shield and last month’s Premier League meeting at Selhurst Park.
Ahead of Wednesday’s clash, Liverpool produced its usual social media graphics, which displayed Arne Slot alongside Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai. Some may view that as a hint to Liverpool’s starting line-up, although Szoboszlai is one of those likely to be rested given he has played every minute this season in the Premier League.
But some smart observers noticed that in the graphic, the Carabao Cup logo on the players’ shirts was situated just above the branding for Uefa’s Foundation.
Of course, the Carabao Cup is organized by the English Football League, and clearly the logos had been photoshopped onto previous images from Champions League matches.
In fact, Wirtz has never even played in the Carabao Cup before. Regardless, the incident raised a few chuckles on social media.
As for which XI Liverpool will actually name, there are several fringe players who could be drafted into the line-up.
Freddie Woodman is one of the prime candidates, after he was interviewed by club media ahead of the game.
“Any time I get to pull on the jersey for this club, whether it be a pre-season game or whatever competition, I’ll always just try to do my best and enjoy the moment, because I’ve spent a lot of time playing in the Championship and so to play for a club with this history is pretty special,” said the 28-year-old.
Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa, who played a starring role in the previous round victory over Southampton, is likely to start.
He spoke to the local newspaper reporters ahead of the Palace game and said Liverpool has to be better prepared to deal with set-pieces than in recent games.
“We have players that are world class and that can be put in any situation and will perform," he said. "So I don't see any problem.
"If Crystal Palace wants to play long ball and long throw-ins, they are more than welcome to do so, because we're going to answer them with high intensity and winning duels, and trying to win.”
Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Rio Ngumoha could also start in the Carabao Cup tie.
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