LIVERPOOL are still basking in the glory of their Old Trafford annihilation but Jurgen Klopp's squad will need to make sure there's no hangover for this Carabao Cup tie with Preston North End.
I tipped the Reds to beat a toiling Manchester United side on Sunday but was still taken aback at how easily they ripped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's defence to pieces in a 5-0 romp.
Liverpool have scored or three or more in nine of their last 10 games and look back to the kind of form that saw them crowned champions of Europe then England.
But I suspect Klopp will rest most, if not all, of his big hitters for this cup tie in the midst of a demanding schedule and that will give Preston hope of a shock win.
North End have won just two of their last 10 games but they have also lost just twice in that run and remain a tough team to beat.
Knockout tournaments are probably low on Frankie McAvoy's priorities as he looks to climb the Championship table, with Saturday's defeat to Blackpool piling pressure on him.
Yet knocking Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup would get the critics off his back and provide a massive confidence boost for the squad so I'd be surprised if McAvoy fielded a shadow side for this clash.
How the bookies view it
Preston are as big as 8/1 to win inside 90 minutes with SBK which might attract a bit of interest with Klopp certain to field a weakened team. The Reds are a best 3/8 with the same firm while the draw at 90 minutes pays 19/4 at Mansionbet. To qualify, North End are 5/1 with Paddy Power and Liverpool just 1/5 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
These sides have faced off just once in a competitive game the last 60 years and that was an FA Cup tie in season 2008/09. It was played at Deepdale and Liverpool claimed a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Albert Reira and Fernando Torres (below).
Players to watch
Divock Origi looks a cert to start up front for Liverpool and the Belgian scored in the last round of the cup against Norwich. He's 17/10 with Paddy Power for another here and that looks good value.
Preston have drawn a blank in two of their last three games and have generally struggled for goals. But young Dane Emil Ris Jakobsen has netted nine times this term and looks their best bet for a goal at 13/5 with SkyBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool still managed to score three while resting players in the last round of the cup so it bodes well for more goals. Over 2.5 goals is sadly a measly 8/15 at William Hill so you have to go to over 3.5 strikes to find value at 13/10 (SportNation).
Both teams to score is OK for accas at 4/5 with SportNation but I prefer over 1.5 first-half goals which is 6/5 with SBK.
Three of Preston's last four have seen 10 corners or more so backing over 9.5 corners stands a chance at 5/6 with Bet365.
This EFL Cup match between Preston North End and Liverpool will be played on Oct 27, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Preston North End vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
