Arne Slot has a tricky balance to contend with as Liverpool takes on Tottenham in the first leg of its Carabao Cup semi-final later this evening.

The Reds boss will no doubt want to make changes to his side in order to rest up some of his regulars, and give minutes to those waiting in the wings. With a trip to Wembley and a first piece of silverware potentially just a couple of months away, there will be an obvious temptation for Slot to play a strong side.

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Of course, the Premier League and Champions League will be Liverpool’s top priorities this season, but with Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley providing an ideal opportunity to blood some of the club’s youngsters, we might see a mix of first-team regulars and those looking to force their way into Slot’s plans tonight.

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Caoimhin Kelleher

Perhaps the one player we can almost guarantee will be starting later, Kelleher has essentially become Liverpool’s cup goalkeeper over the last couple of years.

The Irishman has shown himself to be a more than able deputy to Alisson Becker, so there will be no fears from Slot in throwing his No.2 into the side this evening. Given the Brazilian’s injury problems, it only makes sense to give him a rest when possible.

Conor Bradley

This could be a big week for Bradley. Back from injury and with Trent Alexander-Arnold under the microscope after his performance against Manchester United, this is an ideal chance for the Northern Ireland international to stake a claim for a place in the Premier League side.

The 21-year-old will surely be in the running for a start this evening, although given he has been out of action recently, Slot will have to manage his minutes carefully - especially if Alexander-Arnold’s form starts to become a concern.

Jarell Quansah

Quansah may well have been disappointed not to have started against Manchester United on Sunday. With Joe Gomez out injured, the 21-year-old would no doubt have fancied his chances of being named alongside Virgil van Dijk, but Ibrahima Konate’s return to fitness scuppered his chances.

With Slot suggesting that Konate will be rested against Spurs though, Quansah should start this evening, and he might well have a point to prove to his head coach.

Kostas Tsimikas

Much like Alexander-Arnold, there is some concern over Andy Robertson’s form at the moment. The Scot has not been up to his usual standards this season, and he could do with being taken out of the firing line tonight.

Tsimikas hasn’t started since the Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen in November, having picked up an injury not long after that. If he can show some decent form against Spurs, there’s every chance he could take Robertson’s place for next week’s league game against Nottingham Forest.

Wataru Endo

Endo is becoming something of a cult hero among Liverpool fans. Despite finding himself on the periphery of the team after being a regular under Jurgen Klopp last season, there have been no complaints from the Japan international.

When called upon, the 31-year-old has not let the Reds down - in fact, he was arguably the man of the match in the last round against Southampton. If Slot wants to give Van Dijk a rest tonight, we could even see Endo back in the center of defense, although doing that against Spurs would be a brave call.

Tyler Morton

Morton has had to be very patient for his opportunities this season, and if Slot does decide to mix things up a bit tonight, he might not be get a start this evening either.

Nevertheless, he should be in the mix to get some minutes this evening, even if they’re just from the bench. The 22-year-old showed he’s capable of covering as a full-back against Southampton, which might help Liverpool manage Bradley’s minutes.

Harvey Elliott

Having impressed so much at the end of last season, this campaign hasn’t quite gone to plan for Elliott. An injury early on in the run didn’t help, and he faces quite the task of forcing himself into the side, whether it’s in midfield or as an attacking option.

He should get a run-out tonight, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai still potentially missing through illness, and with the games coming thick and fast over the next few months, Liverpool will undoubtedly need him in top form again.

Trey Nyoni

The excitement around Nyoni was palpable among supporters after such an impressive pre-season. Slot, though, has not got too carried away, just giving the 17-year-old the odd opportunity in the first-team this season.

Whether he starts again tonight, having done so against Southampton in the last round, is debatable, but he might well get another opportunity, especially if things go to plan for the Reds.

Federico Chiesa

There aren’t many players more in need of some minutes than Chiesa. You’d be forgiven for forgetting Liverpool had signed the Italian during the summer given how often he has featured since.

A lack of fitness and Mohamed Salah’s sensational form means there have barely been any opportunities for Chiesa to stake his claim so far. Even if he does impress tonight, you can’t imagine he’d displace Salah in Slot’s plans anytime soon.

Rumors have been swirling about a potential return to Italy this month, although his agent has ruled that out now. This is a crucial time for Chiesa then to show why Liverpool took a gamble on him, and a first goal for the club would hopefully put some of the speculation to bed.