Our Liverpool writers pick their line-ups for this evening's Champions League clash in Girona
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alisson Becker of Liverpool boarding a plane ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match against Girona at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on December 09, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The fit-again Alisson Becker is part of the Liverpool squad that has travelled to Girona
After an unexpected weekend off, it's back to action for Liverpool this evening. Fresh from seeing the final Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park against Everton postponed because of Storm Darragh, the Reds resume their campaign in Girona.
The Champions League clash at Estadi Montilivi (5.45pm kick-off) kick-starts a hectic run of six games in 20 days for the Reds.
So, with Liverpool sitting top and boasting a five-point buffer to Aston Villa in ninth, does the match give Arne Slot a chance to rotate his squad? Or does the Dutchman go strong given the game also represents the ideal opportunity to secure his side's place in the knockout stage with two rounds of group fixtures to go?
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Our Liverpool writers have their say...
Ian Doyle
The Champions League for Liverpool next after a weekend off due to Storm Darragh. And a win against Girona and they'll avoid the play-off round in February. What, then, is Arne Slot to do?
To be fair, the long list of absentees means there isn't much room for heavy rotation. But there will be a change in goal with Alisson Becker returning to replace Caoimhin Kelleher.
Trent Alexander-Arnold can come in at right-back with Andy Robertson on the other flank, while Joe Gomez continues alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai can replace the suspended Alexis Mac Allister, but play in the number 10 role with Curtis Jones dropping deeper alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
Up top, Darwin Nunez can lead the line with Luis Diaz on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.
Theo Squires
After seeing Saturday’s Merseyside derby called off, Arne Slot can go as strong as he likes for this one against Girona. And why not, with Liverpool on the verge of securing a top-eight finish.
Alisson Becker returns in goal, with Slot previously admitting on more than one occasion that the Brazilian starts when fit. In front of him, Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in at right-back with Joe Gomez partnering Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson continuing at left-back.
Curtis Jones drops into a deeper midfield position in place of the suspended Alexis Mac Allister, with Dominik Szoboszlai starting at number 10. Meanwhile, Luis Diaz comes in for Darwin Nunez upfront.
It’s a strong Reds XI but fingers crossed they can get the job done early in Spain, allowing the likes of Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott to get a good 20-30 minutes off the bench as attention then turns to Fulham on Saturday.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.