Liverpool v Leeds United: Big match preview

Key battle - Lucas v Eunan O’Kane

An upset at Anfield is dependent on many things and not least Leeds’ success in gaining a foothold in the centre of midfield. Liverpool will pass Garry Monk’s side to death if they see too much of the ball and Lucas, who has featured in previous rounds, is a player who United need to get at. O’Kane can be a handful at his best. He has to show that aggression.

Key man - Divock Origi

Jurgen Klopp is treating the EFL Cup as seriously as managers at his level ever do, mixing first-choice players with fringe squad members like Origi. The Belgian scored in the second round against Burton and struck again as Liverpool saw off Derby in round three. He also came up with an important finish in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sunderland. Origi is young, energetic and lightning quick.

Last time at Anfield:

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Liverpool 3 Leeds United 1

Goals: Liverpool - Owen 35, Murphy 57, Pongolle 84. Leeds - Smith 42.

Phil Hay’s view: “It will not surprise anyone if Tuesday tonight is the end of the line for Leeds. Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield and they sit second in the Premier League table. They’ve turned in some big scorelines already, particularly at home, and they saw off Spurs in the previous round of the League Cup. Leeds need an awful lot of things to go their way - but this, ultimately, is knockout football and with good form behind them United have a puncher’s chance.”

Match Odds:

Home win - 1/4

Draw - 13/2

Away win - 14/1