Arne Slot has a number of difficult decisions to make ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Everton on Saturday
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot gives Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker #09 Darwin Nunez a pat as he comes off, substituted during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield(Image: Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool will have to make at least one change when they take on Everton in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. Alexis Mac Allister is suspended for the trip to Goodison Park after being shown his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.
However, Arne Slot is likely to make multiple changes for the trip with Trent Alexander-Arnold almost certain to start after being limited to bench duty against the Magpies.
With Federico Chiesa also potentially back in contention after scoring for the Under-21s in a 60-minute appearance in midweek, the ECHO takes a look at the changes the Reds could make against the Blues…
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Slot admitted that Alexander-Arnold would not be fit enough to play 90 minutes against Newcastle after making his return from a hamstring injury in the 2-0 victory over Man City.
The Liverpool vice-captain was named on the bench with Jarell Quansah lining up at right-back instead. However, the England Under-21s international was given a tough night by Anthony Gordon before finishing the match in his favoured position.
Alexander-Arnold is almost certain to start at right-back, especially considering he recorded two assists off the bench against Newcastle, while Virgil van Dijk will captain the side. But the rest of the defence is a little uncertain despite Slot only boasting five available options.
Joe Gomez started at centre-back but at St. James’ Park was withdrawn after 67 minutes. He had blocked a ferocious shot with his face earlier in the half, with it unclear if his withdrawal was related.
If available, it is between the England international and Quansah to partner Van Dijk. However, Gomez could be needed at left-back if Slot chooses to rotate out Andy Robertson has completed the full 90 minutes in all of the Reds’ last five games.
Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal despite his costly error against Newcastle if Alisson Becker is not yet fully fit, with Slot having already confirmed that the Brazilian will make an instant return to the starting XI when cleared for selection.
With Mac Allister suspended, Dominik Szoboszlai is almost certain to come back into the starting XI against Everton with Curtis Jones dropping into a deeper role.
Ryan Gravenberch was withdrawn after 67 minutes against Newcastle after a difficult night, but is in line to retain his place at number six. Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton are the alternatives if Slot wishes to rest his compatriot, while Jones finished Wednesday’s match in the position.
Harvey Elliott is also an option in midfield, though more as an alternative at number 10, after making his return from a fractured foot at home to Man City last weekend.
Darwin Nunez completed the full 90 minutes against Newcastle United but ultimately struggled, missing two good opportunities as Liverpool dropped points for only the third time this season.
His place could come under threat as a result with Luis Diaz pushing for a recall after being benched at St. James’ Park. If the Uruguayan retains his place down the middle, the Colombian will instead be vying with Cody Gakpo to start.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah is certain to start after another astonishing appearance against the Magpies as he recorded two goals and an assist. However, Chiesa is on the verge of bolstering Slot’s attacking options after his outing for the Under-21s in midweek.
