Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace: Match Review
How Liverpool could line-up against Aston Villa in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Anfield tonight with pressure growing on Arne Slot.
Despite comfortably claiming the Premier League title in his first season as head coach, the Reds’ form this season means that Slot is under microscope. Liverpool have lost their past four Premier League games, with last weekend’s 3-2 defeat by Brentford labelled the worst performance of Slot’s tenure as head coach.
As a result of the dire run, Liverpool are already seven points behind leaders Arsenal. In addition, the Reds crashed out of the Carabao Cup earlier this week following a 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace, with Slot opting to make wholesale changes to his team.
Clearly, the former Feyenoord supremo was prioritising the Villa clash, as well as games against Real Madrid and Manchester City next week. Villa have found their form after a tough opening and they earned a 1-0 triumph over City last week.
Liverpool have injury issues to contend with as Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones has virtually been ruled out. Slot must also be considering some changes after the Brentford game.
With everything in mind, here’s how the Reds could line-up.
Liverpool team predicted vs Villa
GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili
The summer signing from Valencia has yet to keep a clean sheet while deputising for the injured Alisson Becker. He'll be hoping for a shutout here.
RB - Conor Bradley
The academy product has been fit for a while now so really needs to start showing his true capabilities. He should have watched Calvin Ramsay’s performance against Palace and realised that is the benchmark.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
The France international's performances are coming under growing scrutiny and he has to improve otherwise a change may be made.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool captain is also under the microscope and he needs to lead by example.
LB - Andy Robertson
Milos Kerkez has started every league game so far but has had his struggles in his Liverpool career despite scoring at Brentford. Slot requires more experience and know-how which is what Robertson brings.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutchman has missed the past three games because of an ankle injury. He has returned to training, though, and Slot will want his midfield linchpin back in from the outset to start the game strongly.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
One of the few Liverpool players who can really hold his head high this season. Szoboszlai has been excellent and is such an important cog.
RW - Mo Salah
Scored a consolation at Brentford but again did not do enough. Liverpool's supposed talisman is struggling and needs to do more to justify his place in the XI.
AM - Florian Wirtz
Had a difficult start to his Liverpool career but he could be more suited to facing a Villa side that want to play on the ground.
LW - Cody Gakpo
Recorded seven goal contributions this season which has perhaps gone under the radar. Having Robertson playing behind my suit more as they know each other's game better.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Struggled at Brentford but the former Eintracht Frankfurt marksman has been one of Liverpool's rare beacons of light since his arrival.
Woodman, Ramsay, Gomez, Kerkez, Endo, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Chiesa, Nguomoha.
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