Arne Slot is under a little bit of pressure right now.
There is no rest for the wicked as the Reds are back in action just four days after their defeat to Brentford, this time in the Carabao Cup.
After losing four Premier League games on the bounce, a change of competition could do Liverpool the world of good, with a chance at silverware something that could re-motivate the players.
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Despite badly needing a win, Arne Slot is still expected to make a fair few changes to his lineup, something that might worry fans given their run of results.
There is one decision that he has made already that is very bold to say the least, but if it backfires, it could just see him lose his job.
Freddie Woodman warms up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray at Rams Park.
Photo by BURAK BASTURK/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Arne Slot makes a big call to start Freddie Woodman in goal
Cup games give managers a chance to rotate the side, but with Slot under a lot of pressure to win, making too many could prove costly.
However, one decision he has already made is to start Freddie Woodman in goal, with this set to be the third-choice goalkeeper’s official debut for the side.
He joined from Preston North End on a free transfer in the summer and has not played a first-team game since 15th March, 2024.
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Given Liverpool’s issues at the back, as well as the quality of opponent they are facing, this feels like a massive risk in a game the Reds have to win.
Giorgi Mamardashvili would usually be called upon for these types of games, but with Alisson injured, Slot has decided to rest the Georgian, which is something that is probably not needed.
Woodman has struggled in the past with playing out from the back and has made many mistakes throughout his Championship career, suggesting this could be a recipe for disaster.
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If this is the case and Woodman costs Liverpool the win due to errors, then questions really will be asked of Slot, with this perhaps the final nail in the coffin as it would be six defeats in their last seven matches.
Crystal Palace are the perfect opponents to put things right against
This will be the third time Liverpool and Palace have met already this season, with the Eagles coming out on top in both.
They beat the Reds at Wembley in the Community Shield back in August before scoring a last-gasp winner to claim all three points in the league, suggesting it might be time for revenge.
Their Marc Guehi taunts on social media also add an extra incentive to win, with victory here proving how progression has been made.
It will certainly be a tough game that could go either way, but if Liverpool do not put in at least a satisfactory performance, then Slot’s job will be cast further into doubt.