Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, as the Reds prepare to heavily rotate their squad to navigate a congested fixture schedule.
According to pre-match comments reported by Liverpool.com, Iraola intends to inject fresh legs into his starting line-up following a demanding run of fixtures. The Reds looked jaded during a goalless Premier League draw with Fulham, prompting the manager to look toward his extended squad ahead of an upcoming weekend trip to Bournemouth.
“In terms of the schedule, we haven’t been lucky,” Iraola said in his pre-match press conference, as reported by Liverpool.com. “After the international break, we are playing three games in nine or 10 days. You can play the same players, but the problem is there will be a moment they are really tired and there is more risk of injury.”
Mamardashvili to Start Amid Widespread Squad Changes
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to feature between the posts against Tottenham, with Iraola revealing that he had previously attempted to sign the Georgian international during his tenure as manager of Bournemouth. While Alisson remains the established first-choice option and has performed well, Iraola expressed strong confidence in Mamardashvili’s abilities.
Further changes are expected across the pitch. Defender Joe Gomez has returned to training and is available for selection, though Iraola noted that his exact playing time will be managed carefully. In defense, Jeremie Frimpong could return to the starting XI after being left out in favor of Ronald Araujo recently, while a decision remains at left-back following Kostas Tsimikas’s half-time substitution against Fulham.
Tottenham Rotation and Team News
Youngsters Push for Minutes
Iraola’s expected rotation opens the door for emerging talent within the Liverpool squad to gain valuable competitive minutes. Midfielder Trey Nyoni is in contention to make an impression, alongside Lewis Koumas, who has earned praise for his performances under Iraola so far this season, according to Liverpool.com.
“I’m really happy with the squad,” Iraola said. “If we win, the squad will look fantastic and amazing. If we don’t win, then there are problems. Tomorrow, there are players I am really happy to see because they can help us.”
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