3 changes Arne Slot could make to Liverpool team as Chelsea challenge looms

Liverpool experienced consecutive losses for only the second time under Arne Slot's management on Tuesday, with a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul, Turkey.

The game's sole goal was netted by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in the 16th minute from a penalty kick, awarded by referee Clement Turpin after he deemed Liverpool's makeshift right-back, Dominik Szoboszlai, to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz. The Reds now face another significant test of their Premier League mettle as they head to Enzo Maresca's Chelsea on Saturday.

We're looking ahead to potential changes Slot might implement for Liverpool's next match at Stamford Bridge.

Right-back dilemma

Another subpar performance from Ibrahima Konate has sparked serious consideration of benching the Frenchman, with Joe Gomez potentially stepping in as center-back alongside Virgil van Dijk at Stamford Bridge.

With Giovanni Leoni out for the season, Wataru Endo is the only other realistic starter for the role, although Ryan Gravenberch has had stints in the position this season.

Dominik Szoboszlai was once again positioned at right-back in Galatasaray, with Jeremie Frimpong moved up into midfield and Conor Bradley benched. All three are contenders for the position, as Slot has yet to settle on a preferred choice.

Milos Kerkez was one of several Liverpool players who didn't perform up to par and is feeling the heat from Andy Robertson for the left-back position. With Alisson Becker sidelined due to injury, Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped up as the first-choice goalkeeper, with Freddie Woodman serving as his backup.

Does Jones play again?

The midfield continues to pose a challenge for Slot, especially after another poor performance in Istanbul. The only constant figure has been Gravenberch, who is likely to be in the starting line-up against Chelsea.

Liverpool, however, has other options. Alexis Mac Allister's underwhelming appearance at Galatasaray showed he's still not fully fit, and Curtis Jones might be the preferred choice after a solid performance in Istanbul.

Szoboszlai and Endo are also potential choices, while 18-year-old Trey Nyoni is yet to make his Premier League debut.

In the No. 10 position, Florian Wirtz is still adjusting to his new environment, with Szoboszlai being the most obvious alternative, although Jones can also fill this role.

Setback for Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike's injury, which is expected to keep him out of action, means Alexander Isak is almost guaranteed to lead the attack against Chelsea, particularly with Federico Chiesa missing in Turkey.

Mohamed Salah is anticipated to take over from Frimpong on the right wing, while Cody Gakpo currently faces little competition on the left, with teenager Rio Ngumoha being the only other option.

Jayden Danns is still out after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for the U21s last weekend.

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