Arne Slot Faced with Huge Selection Headache Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with AC Milan

Following the bitter disappointment of Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, the Reds are quickly back in action as they face AC Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League. The game marks Arne Slot’s side’s second game out of seven over the next few weeks as calls for rotation start to pick up.

Not to give away my predicted lineup, but I actually think some people may be disappointed if that is what they’re hoping for. With that being said, let’s take a closer look…

Changes at the Back?

First of all, Alisson Becker will undoubtedly keep his place in between the sticks for this one with Caoimhin Kelleher likely eyeing the Carabao Cup clash with West Ham United as an opportunity for game time. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be crucial to Liverpool’s game plan for this one and will start at right-back.

Andy Robertson came off on the 75th minute against Nottingham Forest, in what was just one of a handful of seemingly pre-planned substitutions. With that in mind, I think Slot was resting him slightly for tonight’s clash and I think that could be the case in a number of different positions, too.

Virgil Van Dijk will start at the heart of the defence and Ibou Konate will join him once again. Jarell Quansah will be hoping to get the chance of some first-team minutes against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Curtis Jones’ Return?

The midfield could see a few changes so it’ll be really interesting to see what Slot does. First of all, Alexis Mac Allister will keep his place in the starting lineup after playing just 60 minutes at the weekend. Dominik Szoboszlai will come out of the side after playing a full 90 and a very poor one at that. Curtis Jones would be my choice to come in for the Hungarian as the more advanced midfielder.

Slot also faces a big decision on Ryan Gravenberch. The youngster is in great form but has also played a lot of football lately. Wataru Endo would be the obvious choice to come in, should the Dutchman be rested. Perhaps one outside-of-the-box option would be to play Cody Gakpo as one of the midfielders, but I’m not sold on that.

Verdict: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones

Unchanged Front Three

Many will be expecting Gakpo and Darwin Nunez to be in with a good chance of starting against AC Milan, but their patience may be tested once again. Despite looking lively against Forest, Luis Diaz was replaced after an hour, which was seemingly a decision made with one eye on this game.

Mohamed Salah will of course start on the right-wing and I actually think Diogo Jota will also keep his place in the front line. His clinical nature will be crucial if the Reds want to secure a positive result tonight.

Gakpo and Nunez will be joined by Federico Chiesa on the bench, who is expected to make his debut at some point in the game.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Jaros, Gomez, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Morton, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Nunez, Chiesa

Score Prediction: AC Milan 1-1 Liverpool