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Derby County vs. Liverpool: Match Preview, Team News, and Ways to Watch

Liverpool continue their EFL Cup adventure with a trip to Derby County.

Burton Albion v Derby County: Sky Bet Championship Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

After hammering Burton Albion in the second round, Liverpool travel to Pride Park to take on Championship stragglers Derby County. The Reds are in fine form at the moment, winning three of their last four matches in all competitions - including the scalps of rivals Chelsea and reigning champions Leicester - scoring twelve goals in the process, while conceding only three.

After finishing fifth and getting to the promotional knockout rounds last year - falling to eventual promotion-winners Hull City in the semi-finals - this season has been rough on Derby, with a single win, three draws and four losses after eight rounds. Their main problem has been an inability to score goals, notching only two so far, despite enjoying the attacking talents of Darren Bent and Scottish international Chris Martin (not of Yellow and Trouble fame).

There is also the chance of reunions with former Reds winger Tom Ince - his father undoubtedly not far away - and permanent Liverpool target Will Hughes, the latter having contributed the team's sole recognised assist in the league this year. They are lead by former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson, so mind your chokehold defense and stay tuned for the post-match press conference regardless of result.

The Rams enter the third round having beaten a pair of League Two sides, first besting Grimsby Town 1-0 in the opening frame, then defeating Carlisle United 15-14 on penalties following a 1-1 score after extra-time.

The two teams have not met since the 2007/08 season, in which The Reds triumphed 2-1 at Pride Park and delivered a 6-0 drubbing at Anfield, with Andriy Voronin getting on the scoresheet. The Rams were relegated that year, winning a single game, earning a record low 11 points and conceding a record 89 goals.

For Liverpool (4-3-1-2/4-3-3):

Karius
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Moreno
Henderson, Can, Grujic
Coutinho
Ings, Origi

With Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum all sitting out practice on Sunday, and a visit from Hull City coming up only four days after the Derby clash, it seems probable that Jürgen Klopp will make changes to the starting eleven. The EFL cup presents a good opportunity to get Emre Can up to match fitness, as well as replace Simon Mignolet with Loris Karius. Marko Grujic is likely to get his first start for the club, and Divock Origi should be reinstated at striker. Alberto Moreno might get a chance to get out of the doghouse, while the rest of the backline will presumably remain unchanged.

If Sadio Mané is given a well-deserved rest, a slight tweak in formation might be in order, with Danny Ings getting only his second official appearance under Klopp. This would also allow Philippe Coutinho to play centrally and a little deeper, something that seemed to be part of the gameplan against Chelsea on Friday. Or, you know, Ings and Coutinho flank Origi in a 4-3-3.

Kickoff is set for 7:45PM BST/2:45PM EST on Tuesday from Pride Park in Derby. The match is not set for broadcast in England, with only BBC 5 Live and LFCTV Radio coverage on offer. This holds true for most of the world, outside of at least Australia, where beIN Sports currently list the match.

We'll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it's released, our live matchday thread and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on all the action as it happens

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