Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola confirms Alisson Becker decision for Tottenham Hotspur clash

Andoni Iraola has confirmed Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal for Liverpool‘s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, as the Reds boss prepares to ring the changes at Anfield.

Liverpool are looking to claim the trophy for a record 11th time as they host the Londoners, with Iraola set to heavily rotate his squad for a third fixture in just seven days.

Mamardashvili is yet to feature under Iraola this season, but previously served as the designated League Cup goalkeeper under Arne Slot, with Alisson Becker having appeared in the competition just twice during his eight-year stint at the club. Iraola, who previously attempted to bring the Georgian shot-stopper to AFC Bournemouth, looks set to maintain that policy.

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“Will I change the goalkeeper? Yes,” said the Reds boss on Monday, as per the Liverpool Echo. “Alisson is proven, he is playing very well.

“I also rate Giorgi very highly, I know him from his years in Spain. I told him we tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here, and for me he is a very good goalkeeper. He is going to start tomorrow.

“We will see tomorrow players we haven’t seen still and I am very looking forward to seeing them. I feel they are going to play well or they can help us and they still haven’t had the chance yet.”

Young prospects Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers and James McConnell are all pushing for inclusion in the starting lineup, while changes are anticipated across the squad with Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Jeremie Frimpong, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo all expected to feature.

To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola confirms Alisson

Iraola has also confirmed that Joe Gomez, who rejoined full training last week following a six-week absence due to a muscle injury, could be in contention for selection.

“Joe is training with the team and I think he is going to be available for tomorrow,” he said. “It’s a matter of deciding how much he can play.”

The Liverpool manager also provided an update on Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, who both remain on the sidelines recovering from serious knee injuries sustained last season.

“He (Bradley) is not close to training with the team,” said Iraola. “He is training alone but he has started touching the ball. We want him back as quick as possible ready but it’s a long-term injury.

“Leoni is a little bit ahead of him. It is going to take some time for Conor.”