12 hours ago
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Paul Merson says he will be shocked if Arne Slot drops Milos Kerkez and not Florian Wirtz as the Reds prepare to face Arsenal at Anfield.
The German was key in Liverpool’s Community Shield performance against Crystal Palace but has yet to replicate that influence in victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle. In particular, Wirtz was largely subdued against Newcastle, drawing some online criticism for his limited impact.
With no goals or assists so far, it’s clear Slot would have hoped for more, though it may be too early to judge the 22-year-old harshly. Pundits believe that Liverpool is still adjusting to the club-record signing, as well as the tactical changes involved in integrating the German playmaker under Slot.
In his predictions for this weekend, the former Arsenal midfielder believes Slot should revert to his midfield three of last season. "I have a feeling Arne Slot will go back to using Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield in this game" said Merson.
"All of them have not been available together so far this season. Midfields win you league titles and so they must start together. If Florian Wirtz isn't at his best, he may have to sit out of this team. Liverpool look a bit open with him in the team.
"They just get overpowered when Wirtz is playing in midfield. You want your £100 million player to start in these games, that is the reason why you've bought him in the first place.
"So I don't really see Wirtz not playing this game, but it can certainly become a big conundrum for Arne Slot in the future."
Kerkez has also come under fire for his performances at the start of the season. The left-back lost an aerial duel to Bruno Guimaraes, which allowed Newcastle to score their opening goal at St James’ Park, and had also struggled in the match against his former club, Bournemouth.
However Merson said he would be surprised if Slot dropped him. "It's the same with Milos Kerkez. Even though he isn't at his best, I'd be shocked if he's dropped for this game" said the 57-year-old.
Merson has predicted either a draw or a win for hosts Liverpool, with Arsenal’s hopes potentially hampered by fitness concerns over captain Martin Odegaard and key player Bukayo Saka with the latter set to be out for up to four weeks.
"I'd be happy with 1-1 if I'm Arsenal," he suggested on Sportskeeda. "But for some reason, my head still says Liverpool. I'm going to listen to my heart here and go with 1-1!"
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