2 weeks ago
10
The Champions League's return saw Arne Slot make several changes to the Liverpool line-up during the team's match against Galatasaray last month.
Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, and Alexis Mac Allister were all benched as the Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul. However, with four consecutive losses now under their belt - and a potential unwanted record from the 1950s looming if they suffer a fifth straight defeat - will Slot shuffle his pack in an attempt to discover a winning formula against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday?
Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal, but the identity of the full-backs protecting him remains somewhat uncertain. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are both contenders for the right-back position, but could this be the ideal opportunity to rest Milos Kerkez and bring in the more seasoned Andy Robertson?
Kerkez had a difficult game against United, and Scotland captain Robertson is likely eager to start this match as Liverpool strives to return to their winning ways in the restructured European Cup. Ibrahima Konate is almost guaranteed to continue partnering Virgil van Dijk in the center, with Joe Gomez available if required.
Ryan Gravenberch's condition was evaluated on Monday following a twisted ankle in Sunday's loss, and Slot will provide an update when he addresses the media at Deutsche Bank Park on Tuesday. The midfielder was not spotted at training earlier in the day.
If there are any major doubts about the Dutch midfielder's fitness, Curtis Jones is ready and waiting for a potential recall.
Alexis Mac Allister's head injury, which required four stitches, has seen him play with a head guard against United. However, the Argentine midfielder hasn't quite reached his previous season's form, suggesting it might be time to give him a rest.
Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to start the match due to concerns over Mac Allister's head and Gravenberch's ankle.
Florian Wirtz, who was lively and creative off the bench against United, played a significant role in the equalizer by keeping the ball in play before setting up Federico Chiesa to assist Cody Gakpo.
As the current Bundesliga player of the year, this match presents an excellent opportunity for the German international to cause some trouble on home soil.
The big question is what to do about Mohamed Salah?
There have been suggestions to rest (or drop) the Egyptian due to his lacklustre performance this season. Chiesa, full of energy against United and recalled to the squad in place of injured compatriot Giovanni Leoni, could make this his night.
Italian forward Chiesa has only started once this season, but he's certainly making a case for himself for this match. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike are all competing for a spot in the frontline.
Ekitike showed promise in his second-half appearance, while Gakpo, having scored Liverpool's last two goals, could have had a hat-trick against United on another day.
Meanwhile, Isak is in need of game time as he strives to recover his best form. Getting the forward line balance right for this match is crucial and may necessitate an unusual break for Salah.
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