A well-rested Liverpool side prepare to take on Girona in the UEFA Champions League as they aim to maintain their perfect record in the competition.
Arne Slot’s side can take a massive step towards Round of 16 qualification with a win, although the La Liga side won’t be pushovers despite not hitting the heights of last season.
Girona have won just once in the Champions League this season but have enough firepower to hurt a Liverpool side that last played Newcastle United in a game that ended 3-3.
And Slot believes the Spanish side has a player whom the Reds must keep a close eye on to get a positive result.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot praises Daley Blind
Daley Blind of Girona during the warming up during the UEFA Champions League match between SK Sturm Graz v Girona at the Worthersee Stadium on Nov...
Photo by Damjan Zibert/Soccrates/Getty Images
Girona are playing in the Champions League for the first time in their history as they pushed for the La Liga title under Michel last season.
They ultimately lost out to Real Madrid, but they finished above Atletico Madrid in third place, which is a fantastic achievement for a club of their stature.
Girona fans were heard chanting ‘Bring on the English’ ahead of the game against Liverpool as they prepare for one of the biggest nights in their history.
And while they have a handful of players like Viktor Tsygankov and Miguel Gutierrez who can hurt Liverpool, Slot lavished praise on former Manchester United defender Daley Blind, who has been fantastic for the club in recent months.
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“I’m a Dutchman, so Daley Blind,” said Slot at a press conference when asked about Girona’s threat and players to watch out for.
“He got some criticism at his former club Ajax in the end, and if you saw him here last season it was his style, so comfortable on the ball, helping his team. They have many good players but since he is a Dutchman, him.”
Liverpool’s team news for Girona
Alisson Becker is fully fit and is set to start his first game in two months, with Caoimhin Kelleher dropping to the bench.
The likes of Tyler Morton, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas, Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate are out injured, while Alexis Mac Allister is suspended after picking up three yellow cards in the UEFA Champions League.
James McConnell (20) and James Norris (21) have also been named in Liverpool’s 19-man travelling squad to Girona and it remains to be seen if the youngsters get a chance to impress.
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