Expected line up against Manchester City tonight

Liverpool take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup few hours from now, here is how the Reds could line up

Liverpool celebrate their long-awaited return to competitive football when they host Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

It's been almost six weeks since the Reds beat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield, with seven of Jurgen Klopp's squad representing their country at the World Cup while others Flew to Dubai.

There were friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan during the trip to the Middle East, but tonight is the real home return to domestic action as the team prepares for the second half of the season. 

Liverpool beat league leaders Derby County on penalties in November to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, and while most of those flying to Qatar are likely to be rested for tonight, Klopp's men are expected to be a strong side given the opponents' apparent buoyancy.

The team will have more and more calls as they are released. Today's meeting may come too soon for Reds who played lately in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

For Ibrahima Konate, who represented France in Sunday's epic final, it could be too early to get on the pitch. Five Reds were made it through the round of 16, Jordan Henderson, Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk, Trent  Alexander-Arnold. They may likely be rested especially Virgil van Dijk, Henderson and Alisson who were brilliant throughout the campaign for their respective nations.

Darwin Nunez, who was knocked out of the group stage but returned in time to score a quick brace in Friday's 4-1 win over AC Milan, could return in some capacity.

The Uruguayan is likely to start alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino at the Etihad.

Naby Keita is also likely to play his first official game since his Community Shield win over Manchester City in August, having recently completed his rehabilitation in Dubai before facing Lyon and Milan.

Liverpool's expected line up against Manchester City in Carabao Cup fourth round tonight

Goalkeepers: Adrian, Caoimhin Kelleher.

Defenders : Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Nat Phillips, Calvin Ramsay.

Midfielders : Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliott, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita, Stefan Bajcetic.

Forwards: Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Bobby Clark, Ben Doak.