Two Liverpool players are at risk of a one-match card banplaceholder image
Two Liverpool players are at risk of a one-match card ban | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest presents a big risk for two key players
While the international break continues to keep Premier League players busy, managers will be looking ahead to what next week will bring on the domestic stage.
Liverpool have a lot of ground to make up in the league following their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out. The result marked the Reds’ seventh loss in their last ten games in all competitions - a huge low point for the reigning Premier League champions.
The East Midlands side, now managed by ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche, are desperate to get a positive result on the board to claw their way out of the bottom three.
Liverpool stars at risk of yellow card suspension
Slot still seems to be figuring out his best starting 11 this season, with disappointing performances throwing a spanner in the works for some, including Mohamed Salah.
Szoboszlai has played every minute of Premier League and Champions League action so far this season and he will be expected to start against Nottingham Forest next weekend. However, the midfielder will be toeing a fine line, as he is just one yellow card away from picking up a one-match ban, as is Conor Bradley.
Both players went into the book during the Man City clash, meaning the duo are now on four yellow cards for the season and need to be on their best behaviour against Forest. Should both or either player pick up a fifth yellow card next weekend, they will be ruled out of their visit to West Ham on November 30th.
Premier League rules state that players who accrue five bookings inside the opening 19 games of a season will be issued a one-match suspension. We are currently 11 games into the campaign, so both Szoboszlai and Bradley are under pressure.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Conor Bradley crucial for Liverpool
Szoboszlai is a firm fan favourite and a key player in Slot’s system. Losing him to a yellow card suspension would be a huge blow for Liverpool, as his efforts have been paramount in his side’s performances.
Bradley has also been important for the Reds this season. After playing second fiddle to Trent Alexander-Arnold for most of last term, the 22-year-old has been given several chances to shine this time round.
Summer signing Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with his second injury of the season, meaning Bradley has started seven of Liverpool’s Premier League games so far.
This means Slot will likely be relying on Bradley for a few more games, which is why losing him to a potential card suspension would be a big blow. Joe Gomez and Szoboszlai are both able to operate at right-back but it would further highlight issues within Liverpool’s squad depth.
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