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Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot Faces Huge Decision as Liverpool Face Fulham

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Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday as they welcome Fulham to Anfield. Arne Slot’s side come into the game off the back of a decent 1-0 victory over Girona on Tuesday, but Fulham will certainly be a tricky test.

The Reds currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with a game in hand on the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. Every game at this point of such an impressive season is so crucial, so hopefully Liverpool can secure all three points and keep their title pursuit on track.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup…

Unchanged Back Line

Slot is set to name an unchanged defensive line for the Fulham clash, with Alisson Becker remaining in goal for this one after reminding everyone of his sensational quality in his return during the week. Virgil Van Dijk will be partnered by Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence, in the absence of Ibou Konate.

Photo: IMAGO

Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley are still sidelined, therefore Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will be the full-back pairing once again. Jarell Quansah will add at least some depth from the bench.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson

Key Player Missing in Midfield

Alexis Mac Allister is suspended for this one after picking up a yellow card in the 3-3 draw at Newcastle United last week. Therefore, Curtis Jones will partner Ryan Gravenberch at the base of the midfield again.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai will be the most advanced midfielder from the start, but I’d expect to see Harvey Elliott feature at some point too.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Huge Decision Up-Front

Slot faces a huge decision in his front line, with Darwin Nunez coming under serious scrutiny after a run of sub-par performances. However, by the pattern of rest and rotation, the Uruguayan is due a return to the bench and that is what will happen.

Luis Diaz will play down the middle and will look to stretch and pull the Fulham defence as much as possible and therefore providing as much space as possible for the two wide forwards. Those two will be Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on Saturday, to complete a frightening front three.

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa could also be in line for a return to the bench after missing the last two months through injury.

Verdict: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Nallo, Endo, Elliott, Nyoni, Chiesa, Jota, Nunez

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