FA Cup: Liverpool v Plymouth preview
Liverpool v Plymouth preview
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will rest the majority of his senior players for the FA Cup third-round visit of Sky Bet League Two club Plymouth Argyle on Sunday.
Loris Karius gets the chance to restart his Liverpool career this weekend, after Klopp admitted he was forced to take the goalkeeper out his starting line-up because of the intense scrutiny he was under.
The 23-year-old summer signing replaced Simon Mignolet as first-choice in late September, but after 10 unconvincing Premier League matches, he was dropped after being criticised for mistakes in the 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth and 2-2 draw at home to West Ham.
"He trained outstandingly, which was good to see," said Klopp. "It is difficult to speak about these things in public because you make it a big story and that is part of the problem. But we cannot ignore the pressure you (media) make. We have to cope with it and deal with it and that is why we made the change.
"I am sure Loris will benefit from this step back or step aside. It was good for him. Simon has done an outstandingly good job since he has been playing again and Loris has forced him to train at the highest level because we have two really good goalkeepers."
Argyle beat Mansfield in the first round before eliminating Newport in round two to book their place at Anfield. The Pilgrims currently sit second in League Two.
Joe Gomez will play his first match for Klopp having been sidelined by a knee injury since October 2015.
Striker Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and defender Joel Matip (all ankle) and James Milner (calf) will miss the game with captain Jordan Henderson (heel) not expected back until next week's Premier League trip to Manchester United, while Sadio Mane is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
New Plymouth Argyle signing Nathan Blissett is cup-tied so will not be able to make his debut.
Loanees Craig Tanner and Paul-Arnold Garita could return to their parent clubs later this month, but are still available for the trip.