The days of the League Cup being the FA Cup’s runt sibling seem to be over. Indeed, it feels like the bulk of the traditional ‘big clubs’ take the first cup competition of the season very seriously nowadays, and with some big ties this week, we’re expecting some great games.

Aside from the Manchester Derby, Liverpool hosting Spurs is the standout fixture, with Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino two of the Premier League's most talented coaches.

Granted, this competition may not be as high on their list of priorities as challenging for the Premier League title, but neither will want to lose and the prospect of a final at Wembley in the New Year will be tantalising for both.

Arguably, the game is bigger for Liverpool than Spurs, given that the Merseysiders are not involved in European competition, and we think Klopp will field a rotated side, but with one or two star names thrown in to ensure the Reds give the Lilywhites a good whooping.

GK - Simon Mignolet

Britain Soccer Football - Swansea City v Liverpool - Premier League - Liberty Stadium - 1/10/16 Liverpool's Simon Mignolet on the bench before the match Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

If Mignolet doesn’t get cup games from now on, where will his game time come? The Belgian needs to be kept match ready, with Loris Karius having not quite lived up to his billing, and the way he’s handled his dropping from the first XI has been classy. Surely Klopp will reward him with a game.

LB – Alberto Moreno

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With James Milner playing weekly at left-back in the league, Moreno has found game time nigh on impossible to come by this season. The Spaniard may be haphazard defensivel  but Spurs are likely to be playing a slightly weakened side, so he'll get more opportunities to venture forward.

CB – Ragnar Klavan

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The rugged Estonian scored as Liverpool beat Derby County in the last round and appears likely to get another run out here. He may not be able to contribute to Klopp’s style of play in the same way as Dejan Lovren or Joel Matip, but he has been impressive thus far.

CB – Joel Matip

Britain Soccer Football - Swansea City v Liverpool - Premier League - Liberty Stadium - 1/10/16 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Joel Matip after the game Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Klopp won’t want to change his rearguard completely and with Matip and Klavan playing together in the win at Derby County, he may well be tempted to keep them partnered.

RB – Nathaniel Clyne

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Unless he’s injured prior to kick-off, it’s hard to see Clyne being dropped. The Englishman is reliable and well-versed in what Klopp wants. Likewise, viable alternatives aren't exactly in copious supply.

DM – Lucas

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With Jordan Henderson suspended, Lucas is the obvious choice to fill in as the deepest midfielder. Unlike in other games, Klopp may want a more orthodox enforcer to cut out threats - something the Brazilian is well-experienced in.

CM – Emre Can

Emre Can

Can needs game time now he’s becoming match fit after a long summer and there will be a temptation on the part of his manager to give him another run out after his weekend start. The German looks to be getting back to his best and will surely relish the chance to put himself ahead of Georginio Wijnaldum in the pecking order.

CM – Marko Grujic

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Granted, this may be a curveball, but Grujic needs to taste big English football action. The Serbian is the most likely man to miss out in terms of this speculative XI, but we would like to see him given a go in an experienced midfield alongside Lucas and Can.

LAM – Philippe Coutinho

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Klopp likes to keep at least a couple of his key first-team players in the starting XI and a home match seems well set for Coutinho. The Brazilian makes things happen for the Reds and could thrive against a potentially rotated Spurs side.

RAM – Danny Ings

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Ings’ only outing this season has been as a sub in the League Cup and if he’s not thrust into the XI before long there will be serious doubts over his future. The Englishman may be a striker, but his hard work and endeavour leave him suited to a slightly wider role.

ST – Daniel Sturridge

Britain Football Soccer - Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League - Anfield - 17/10/16
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge warms up before the match 
Reuters / Phil Noble
Livepic
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

After being left on the bench for the entirety of the West Brom game, Sturridge looks to be in line to start here. The English forward needs time to adjust to Klopp’s fluid frontline set-up butS won’t be able to do so unless he’s given chances.