Arne Slot could make a number of changes to his side when Liverpool host Arsenal next weekend
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Head Coach Arne Slot substitutes Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge
Head Coach Arne Slot substitutes Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge
(Image: 2025 Robin Jones)
Arne Slot promised he would rotate his side and hand fringe players more opportunities after Liverpool won the Premier League title. Sure enough, he was true to his word when the Reds travelled to Chelsea on Sunday.
The Dutchman made six changes as Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo were handed their first Premier League starts of the season, while Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah were also brought into his starting XI. Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa made only his fifth appearance in the English top-flight when introduced as a late substitute, while Ryan Gravenberch was rested altogether.
Liverpool are next in action at home to second-placed Arsenal next Sunday, with Slot expected to rotate once again. Following the Reds’ loss to Chelsea, the ECHO takes a look at the changes the Dutchman could make against the Gunners…
READ MORE: What the ECHO learned about Trent Alexander-Arnold exit and how Liverpool lost battle to Real MadridREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold pleads with Liverpool supporters and hints at future plans - 'Don't let this'
Trent dilemma
So the cat is out of the bag. Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires this summer.
Supporters understandably aren’t thrilled by his looming departure, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of reception he gets in the Reds’ three remaining matches. The England international has acknowledged he appreciates people will be hurt and angry.
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But regardless of the furore regarding his imminent exit, Slot has a tough decision to make. Does he keep Alexander-Arnold in his starting XI or instead look to the future and start Conor Bradley over the departing right-back?
Elsewhere, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate are pushing for recalls if Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah drop out.
Ryan Gravenberch returns
Having been left out altogether against Chelsea, it would be a surprise if Gravenberch is not at least restored to the squad against Arsenal. But will the Dutchman return to the starting XI or be utilised as a substitute instead?
With Liverpool no doubt wanting to avoid suffering back-to-back defeats and instead put on a show in front of their own fans against the side they have beaten to the title, it would not be a surprise if Slot restored his regular starters.
Endo will be hoping for another chance at number six, but will likely drop out if Slot restores his compatriot.
Likewise, Elliott will also be looking to earn successive starts though Dominik Szoboszlai is pushing for a recall, while Alexis Mac Allister could also come back into the side in place of Curtis Jones.
Attacking headache continues
Mohamed Salah will keep his place against the Gunners as he continues to chase down further Premier League records, but who lines up alongside him is up for debate.
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Jota endured a quiet afternoon against Chelsea while Darwin Nunez missed a glaring chance after being introduced upfront, as Liverpool’s centre-forward headache continues.
Cody Gakpo was the Reds’ brightest forward at Stamford Bridge so could keep his place. However, if Slot wants to rotate at left-wing, Luis Diaz is poised to come back in after being left unused against Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Federico Chiesa is also an option - be it upfront or on the left - but is yet to start a Premier League game this season and was only utilised as a late substitute in the capital.