After a perfect start to their Premier League season with five wins on the bounce, Arne Slot and Liverpool now head into their clash with Brentford on Saturday night on the back of three consecutive defeats.
The Reds were beaten by Crystal Palace and Chelsea before the international break, before falling to a surprise defeat at Anfield against fierce rivals Manchester United last weekend. The team managed to get back winning ways in the Champions League with a thumping 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but now eyes and attention return to the domestic league, and the manager has some big decisions to make.
Slot is likely to be without Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak for the game due to injuries, which means the team could see a shuffle in personnel anyway. But despite being fit, Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister should also find himself on the sidelines for this game if Liverpool want to get back in the win column.
Time to Drop Mac Allister, Jones is Ready
Curtis Jones and Arne Slot
Arne Slot congratules Curtis Jones
Mac Allister, who earns £180,000-a-week, has emerged as a leader in the Anfield dressing room since his move from Brighton, and he was a key player under Slot last year as the team romped to a 20th league title.
But this campaign has been different, and the 26-year-old has found it difficult to get into a rhythm and find his best level in midfield.
The additions of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike mean the team is more front-footed, while the rampaging full-backs that Slot has implemented into the side mean there is more work for the central midfielders to do in transition and out of possession. That hasn't helped Mac Allister at all, and he shouldn't be seen as untouchable anymore.
Dominik Szoboszlai has adapted well this season and made himself one of the first names on the teamsheet, which means he has to start the game, but young academy graduate Curtis Jones is clearly champing at the bit for an opportunity to have an extended run in the side, and this should be it.
Jones started the 5-1 win over Frankfurt in midweek, and his ability and control of the game offered something that Liverpool haven't had in their recent poor run of results. That should be rewarded, while also sending a message that Mac Allister won't be selected off his past form anymore and he must deliver if he wants to play.
There is no room for sentiment if you want to be Premier League and European champions, and that should be the case even if you're a world champion.