The starting XI matched my predictions, though with some positional adjustments: Frimpong opened at right-back instead of right winger, Gomez played left center-back, Endo occupied right defensive midfield, Nyoni operated as attacking midfielder, and Chiesa started on the right wing.
This substitute lineup aimed to replicate the first-team's approach but fell short. First, the three midfielders were all utility players, primarily passing backwards or sideways, lacking the ability to drive forward or break through with the ball. Second, left winger Ngumoha could only create breakthrough opportunities after the 80th minute when opponents tired; starting the match, he struggled to penetrate the opposition's penalty area. His ability to cut inside still lags behind Gakpo's, failing to create shots. Right winger Chiesa rarely received the ball on the flank and couldn't break through or deliver crosses. With Liverpool dominating possession, Frimpong pushed up to play as a right winger, Chiesa shifted centrally to support midfield, and Isak frequently dropped back to assist ball progression when starved of supply up front. On one occasion, Isak drifted to the left wing, broke into the box, and created a dangerous opportunity. Liverpool barely mounted any organized attacks in the first half, relying solely on high pressing to create chances. Their goal came from Chiesa intercepting in the box and laying it off for Isak to finish.
Ekitiké replaced Isak at halftime. After Bradley came on for Jones in the 57th minute, the formation shifted closer to my prediction: Frimpong played right winger, Chiesa moved to attacking midfielder, and Nyoni shifted to left defensive midfielder. This formation offered slightly stronger attacking potential. Bradley could push forward to assist Frimpong on the right flank, but Frimpong struggled in this match—failing to deliver effective dribbles or crosses while frequently losing possession. He'll likely lose his starting spot next game. Chiesa proved more threatening in the attacking midfield role than on the right wing, linking up well with Ngumoha on the left and gradually penetrating the penalty area. In the 74th minute, Danns replaced Ngumoha, with Chiesa shifting to left winger and Danns taking the attacking midfielder role. Chiesa proved more dangerous on the left flank, threatening to drive into the box for crosses or combine with teammates near the penalty area for shots. Unfortunately, a goal he scored was ruled out for offside. In the 81st minute, Leoni was injured and replaced by Kerkez. Roberson shifted to left center-back. From the back, he delivered a long pass to Chiesa in the box. Chiesa controlled it beautifully before laying it off to an unmarked Ekitiké in the center, who finished easily. After Ekitiké received a second yellow card for removing his shirt during celebration, Liverpool switched to a 4-4-1 formation. Danns moved up front, with Chiesa and Firmpong dropping back to left and right wing positions respectively. The team defended resolutely to protect the lead and advance to the next round.
Ekitiké's red card impacts the upcoming Premier League away fixture against Crystal Palace. Originally slated to start as center forward, Isak now takes his place. However, Isak cannot play the full 90 minutes, likely necessitating Chiesa's second-half substitution. Other lineup changes from the previous league match are expected to include Wirtz starting as attacking midfielder and Szoboszlai potentially replacing Mac Allister at left defensive midfielder.
Leoni's serious injury could end his season. Liverpool's center-back depth is insufficient: Gomez remains out of match fitness after prolonged absence, Robertson lacks height for left center-back and can only fill in occasionally, Endo is solid defensively at defensive midfield but weaker in central defense (his header error from a corner led to a goal), and Gravenberch dropping back to center-back weakens midfield strength—his role in midfield currently has no replacement. Any further injuries at center-back would jeopardize the entire season's prospects. The optimal solution remains securing Guéhi's permanent transfer during the winter window.