Liverpool have a swift turnaround when they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday (8pm).
Kopites will be relishing the Reds – who top the Premier League table by eight points after a 3-2 win at Southampton – take on the current European conquerors. Arne Slot’s side are also at the summit of the Champions League standings, having triumphed in all four games so far and victory over Los Blancos will be another major statement.
But with a seismic encounter against Manchester City to come at the weekend, it means Slot has plenty to think about when it comes to his team. With everything in mind, here’s a look at the selection decision the Liverpool boss has to make.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Alisson Becker has already been ruled out of the game despite closing in on a return to action from a hamstring issue. That means that Caoimhin Kelleher’s place has all but been confirmed and he will experience a big European night between the posts.
Given Liverpool’s position in the Champions League table, Slot may opt not to risk Trent Alexander-Arnold from the outset even if he is fit. The vice-captain is coming back from a hamstring injury and he may well be kept fresh for the visit of City so Conor Bradley would continue.
Ibrahima Konate has been one of the Reds’ standout performers this season. However, the centre-back endured a difficult afternoon at Southampton. Konate struggled to get to grips with things and almost conceded an early penalty for a collision with Adam Armstrong, which Kop legend Jamie Carragher called a ‘stupid decision’
Joe Gomez could come in for Konate, who played twice for France during the international break and looks like he could do with a rest. Gomez would partner Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be relishing a battle against Kylian Mbappe.
The left-back position will depend on the fitness of Kostas Tsimikas, who missed the Southampton game with a knock. Tsimikas has started three Champions League fixtures so far this season and could hand Andy Robertson a breather if fit.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch is riding the crest of a wave and displayed all of his prowess when creating Mo Salah’s first goal at Southampton. But the Netherlands international will need some respite at some stage. Wataru Endo again was impressive to see out the victory at Southampton and his qualities to snuff out danger could be sage against a potent Real attack
Dominik Szoboszlai bagged his first league goal since April on the south coast. His performance was full of energy and dynamism and the Hungary international deserves to keep his spot. After travelling back from Argentina, it was understandable Alexis Mac Allister was rested. He added more control in the engine room after being introduced in the second half and could come in for Curtis Jones.
