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Arne Slot handed Diogo Jota headache as Liverpool defender returns

Arne Slot could again make a number of changes to his side when Liverpool host Leicester City on Boxing Day

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Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, gives instructions to Diogo Jota of Liverpool as he prepares to enter the pitch during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, gives instructions to Diogo Jota of Liverpool as he prepares to enter the pitch during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Liverpool put in a remarkable team performance as they thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 on Sunday. Mohamed Salah was in electric form for the Reds, returning two goals and two assists to help his side extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points.

Luis Diaz also registered a brace, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were also both on the scoresheet as Arne Slot lauded his team’s performance as one of their very best attacking displays since he took over as head coach.

Now in the thick of the Premier League festive period, Liverpool will be back in action on Boxing Day as they host Leicester City.

READ MORE: Luis Diaz sends Trent Alexander-Arnold contract message as Liverpool left with no Mohamed Salah optionREAD MORE: What happened to Tottenham scoreboard at full-time speaks volumes as Liverpool send stunning message

Having made seven changes to his side against Spurs, Slot is expected to make use of his squad once more. And with so many of his offensive players shining in the capital, the ECHO takes a look at the changes the Dutchman could consider against the Foxes…

Robertson rested?

Liverpool are still a little light defensively because of injury, but following Kostas Tsimikas’ return from an ankle injury against Southampton in the League Cup, the Greek at least offers Arne Slot the option to rotate at left-back if required and could be in line for a first start since his return.

If not, Andy Robertson will continue at left-back after impressing against Spurs on his return from suspension.

Jarell Quansah is an alternative at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, if Slot wishes to rest either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joe Gomez. Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley both remain sidelined.

Jones pushing for a recall

It would be incredibly harsh to bench Szoboszlai against Leicester, after arguably his most impressive showing in a Liverpool shirt at Spurs. But Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are the alternatives if Slot does wish to rotate at number 10.

Alternatively, Jones could also come in for Mac Allister in a deeper midfield position as Slot continues to manage his squad carefully. Ryan Gravenberch is likely to keep his place, with Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton both on standby at number six if required.

Jota makes first start after injury

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez will both be vying to start if Slot opts to rotate his attack against Leicester, with the Portuguese perhaps well-placed to make his first start since his return from injury.

With Luis Diaz catching the eye against Spurs, he could keep his starting place but move to his preferred left-wing position, with Cody Gakpo instead making way for either centre-forward.

Mohamed Salah will likely start on the right, with Elliott and Federico Chiesa - who missed the trip to Spurs - the main alternatives if the in-form Egyptian is rotated during a frenetic festive period.

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