Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham Forest: Match Review
How Liverpool could line-up against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at Anfield.
Arne Slot aims to start Liverpool’s resurgence as they face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at Anfield.
Few could have predicted the position that the Reds would find themselves in after winning the Premier League title six months ago. Yet their defence of the English championship is over after a woeful run of six losses in seven games. Last Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest was chastening.
As a result, Slot has come under pressure as head coach. He has credit in the bank after winning the title in his maiden campaign but cannot deny that results have fallen well below standards.
Liverpool have had few problems in the Champions League this season, though, and they beat Real Madrid last time out. A triumph will see the Reds move a step closer to the last 16.
Slot will have been weighing up his team since the Forest reverse and will know that there is big pressure to deliver when Liverpool travel West Ham United on Sunday.
With everything in mind, here’s how Liverpool could line-up.
Liverpool predicted line-up vs PSV
GK - Alisson Becker
The Brazilian returned from injury against Forest yet was helpless to stop Liverpool’s rot.
RB - Curtis Jones
Slot has depleted options yet again on the right-hand side with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong injured. Many fans feel playing Szoboszlai in the role against Forest was a mistake and it’s one that the Liverpool boss may not repeat. He’ll still want someone who can offer something in possession so Jones may get the nod.
CB - Joe Gomez
Liverpool’s longest-serving defender has been troubled by a knee injury ahead of the game. But he should be in the group and given Ibrahima Konate’s poor form, Gomez deserves a chance to impress in his favoured position.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Reds captain admitted his anger after the Forest reverse. If those sort of performances continue, you may see his ire on the pitch a lot more.
LB - Andy Robertson
Understandably dropped to the bench against Forest given his excursions for Scotland during the international break. Will be expected to show his experience.
CM - Wataru Endo
The fans’ favourite has had limited chances so far this season. But Slot may just look to make tweaks to his midfield and given that Liverpool need more protection in front of the defence. Endo is the only out-and-out defensive midfielder in the squad.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutchman has shown some flaws shielding the defence in the past two games and he perhaps deserves a chance to display what he’s capable of in a more advanced role that he’s played for most of his career.
RW - Mo Salah
Actually was one of Liverpool’s better performers against Forest but much more is still needed.
AM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Been the Reds’ standout performer by a significant margin this season and is needed in the engine room where he can offer energy and quality.
LW - Rio Ngumoha
The highly-rated 17-year-old has had limited chances of late. But he enjoyed a decent cameo against Forest and Liverpool need to keep him developing, so this could be ideal for Ngumoha to play.
ST - Alexander Isak
The £125m British record signing was largely anonymous against Forest and it was questionable why he played. But if Slot needs to fast-track Isak to full fitness then this is a game where he might get more chances and boost his confidence.
Mamardashvili, Woodman, Konate, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Ekitike, Gakpo, Chiesa.
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