Liverpool have already done their business in Champions League Group D and have not only qualified but will top the group regardless of the result against Midtjylland.
This gives Jurgen Klopp the chance to use this game as a free hit and he could opt to give fringe players some valuable minutes as well as give a number of the youngsters some game time.
Klopp has to use players that have been named in the Champions League squad. However, there are still a number of players that could benefit from this game.
Caoimhin Kelleher
The 22-year-old goalkeeper made his Champions League debut against Ajax on the previous matchday. He kept a clean sheet against them, making a great save late in the game and also kept a clean sheet against Wolves at the weekend.
With Alisson still injured and Kelleher stepping up well, he would deserve to start.
Neco Williams
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, Williams has been playing at right-back. Despite struggling in his opening couple of games, he has begun to show his quality and prove doubters wrong. He also got an assist against Ajax in the previous Champions League game and played well against Wolves.
He was however, subbed in the 70th minute of the Wolves game, with Alexander-Arnold making his return from injury. This game may have come too soon for the Englishman to start but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get some minutes on Wednesday.
Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio
Rhys Williams has been a regular feature in Champions League games and is likely to start this game. He has appeared in all of Liverpool’s Champions League games so far and has played very well during that time.
With Joel Matip and Fabinho Liverpool’s only fit first-team centre backs, both should be rested and left on the bench. This could give Billy Koumetio a chance to make his first Champions League appearance. He was subbed in the Under-23’s previous game against Manchester City, potentially with this game in mind.
Kostas Tsimikas
The Greek left-back has not had many chances at first-team football for Liverpool this season. This is not a particular surprise with Andy Robertson dominating that position. However, this could be a valuable game for Tsimikas to gain some minutes and give Robertson some much-needed rest. With Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur fast approaching in this busy Christmas period, this would be a good game to give Robertson some rest.
Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s midfield options are very limited, meaning that Henderson may have to start this game. He came off in 80th minute against Wolves and is an integral part of Liverpool’s team. Youngsters like Jake Cain and Leighton Clarkson may well feature in this game but may come on off the bench.
Curtis Jones
Another player that may have to be given minutes is Curtis Jones. The 19-year-old has started four of the last five games in all competitions but may have to go again simply because of Liverpool’s lack of midfield options.
Georginio Wijnaldum has played in every Premier League and Champions League game and needs the rest much more than Jones. Wijnaldum is another key player and should be given a rest in this fixture.
Naby Keita
Keita made his return from injury against Wolves, picking up 10 minutes in that game. Although Klopp may want to only give Keita 45 minutes, he could start with him. It is a game that has no impact on Liverpool’s positions, but it would still be surprising if a youngster that hasn’t started for the Reds before did start.
Diogo Jota
Jota is Liverpool’s top goal scorer in the Champions League with four goals. Having started on the bench against Wolves, that could mean that he will be starting against Midtjylland. He has been a breath of fresh air since signing for Liverpool in the summer and has knocked on the door of Roberto Firmino’s starting place already. Jota has played in all three forward positions and could slot in anywhere on Wednesday.
Divock Origi
Origi failed to make the bench against Wolves but could return to the team. There is no need for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to play, so Origi could fill in purely to fill a place.
Takumi Minamino
Minamino is another player that could benefit from some game time. He has found it difficult to break into Liverpool’s first team. It is a tough task, with few opportunities to find your rhythm, and if you don’t make an immediate impact, it can be very difficult to get into the team.