Freddie ready for Reds in Cup

Freddie Woodman is expected to line up for the Reds against Crystal Palace

- By PAUL GORST

THE return of the Carabao Cup to the calendar will inevitably see Arne Slot ring the changes for Liverpool's meeting with Crystal Palace this week.

The Eagles already have a couple of scalps on their record this season when it comes to Slot's team.

But despite losing on penalties in the Community Shield in August before a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League at Selhurst Park last month, it's unlikely the Reds boss will pick his big guns in search of revenge.

As ever, the pack will be shuffled and that could lead to some interesting subplots on the night for the fourth-round tie.

Many of Liverpool's players are effectively playing for more minutes and starts in this competition.

Freddie Woodman will make his Reds debut in goal.

With Alisson Becker sidelined with that hamstring issue, Giorgi Mamardashvili has been first choice in recent weeks, so Woodman, who joined in a low-key free transfer in the summer, will be selected to deputise on the night.

At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring issue, meaning Conor Bradley is the only recognised senior available at present.