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Fabinho set to be given full Liverpool debut by Jurgen Klopp against Chelsea in Carabao Cup tonight

The defensive midfielder has been given time to settle in at Liverpool, but will be given the opportunity to prove himself at Anfield this evening

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FABINHO has been given time to acclimatise to life at Anfield, but he could now be ready to make Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up in Liverpool's Carabao Cup clash.

The Reds host Chelsea this evening in their first of two clashes this week and their £40m summer signing is anticipated to make his full debut, in order to be given an opportunity to prove himself.

The Brazil international has yet to make his mark at Liverpool, but will be given the opportunity to prove himself
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The Brazil international has yet to make his mark at Liverpool, but will be given the opportunity to prove himselfCredit: PA:Press Association

Since joining Liverpool, the Brazilian has played second fiddle to Klopp's preferred midfield trio.

But with a fixture list brimming with top clubs over the next week or so, the midfielder will be called upon.

According to the , Dominic Solanke will also be given an opportunity to prove himself in this evening's fixture.

And with a squad with as much depth as Klopp's, the pair will want to play to the best of their ability to ensure they feature regularly.

Klopp has given Fabinho time to settle in at Anfield, but with a fixture list full of big names he will give the defensive midfielder his full debut this evening
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Klopp has given Fabinho time to settle in at Anfield, but with a fixture list full of big names he will give the defensive midfielder his full debut this eveningCredit: PA:Press Association

The defensive midfielder scored 31 goals for Monaco before his big-money move to Anfield- which is certainly impressive for a player in a defensive position.

But the 6ft2in player has only appeared once for Liverpool so far this season.

The Brazil international made a substitute appearance in Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Whereas his compatriot Alisson has made seven appearances across the Premier League and Champions League since moving from Roma to Anfield.

Fabinho replaced Sadio Mane in Liverpool's Champions League fixture against PSG
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Fabinho replaced Sadio Mane in Liverpool's Champions League fixture against PSGCredit: Reuters

Klopp has a habit of letting players acclimatise before they feature prominently in his squad.

As was the case with both Andy Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a year ago.

The Liverpool boss said: "They always need time. It needs to be natural.

"It is just a football team with a specific way of playing, it is about possession.

Dominic Solanke is also set to feature this evening
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Dominic Solanke is also set to feature this eveningCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"It is about spaces and defensively closing them, offensively using them.

"They were all used to other football teams. We are not changing these players, we are not changing their football personality.

"There is no time frame where you say 'you have to do that', they are here because they did what they did.

"To improve something you need half a year to make the next step- that's it."

Alisson, on the other hand, has featured heavily since moving to Anfield, but is likely to be rested with Simon Mignolet set to start this evening against Chelsea
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Alisson, on the other hand, has featured heavily since moving to Anfield, but is likely to be rested with Simon Mignolet set to start this evening against ChelseaCredit: Getty - Contributor

Liverpool and Chelsea are fighting it out at the top of the Premier League table, with Liverpool having a two point edge.

Klopp is impressed with what he's seeing from Maurizio Sarri's side, hailing it the 'biggest transformation in style I have ever seen in a short space of time'.

But will be hoping his side can overcome Chelsea in their third-round tie at Anfield.

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