Liverpool team predicted to face Marseille in the Champions League at Stade Velodrome.
Liverpool aim to take a step closer to qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League when they face Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
The Reds need just a point in their final two games of the league phase to qualify for the knockout play-off stage. However, Arne Slot’s side will be hoping to bypass that round and finish in the top eight of the league, which will earn them automatic passage into the last 16.
Slot’s side face a Marseille outfit that are third in Ligue 1 and dangerous. The visitors have Mo Salah back available after representing Egypt at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), although Ibrahima Konate might not be able to play for a family reason.
With the Reds travelling to Bournemouth on Saturday, Slot will have to think about his team given the busy schedule. With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Alisson Becker
The No.1 keeper will feel that he has not kept enough clean sheets this season. One against Marseille will give Liverpool a big chance.
RB - Dominik Szoboszlai
Slot may feel that he needs to protect Jeremie Frimpong’s fitness given he’s not long back from a hamstring injury and Bradley won’t play again this season. It wouldn’t be a popular decision that Szoboszlai features in defence but Slot has previously suggested it might have to happen.
CB - Joe Gomez
Konate is doubtful to be involved and he might not be quite right to play even if he does join the squad. It could mean a rare chance for Gomez.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool captain will know that he and his team-mates have to be at their very best to quell a dangerous Marseille side.
LB - Milos Kerkez
The £40 million summer signing has made encouraging progress in recent weeks and played well against Burnley. Kerkez was on pre-match media duties, which is usually a big hint he’ll be starting.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Netherlands international is very much first choice in the No.6 role and his remit should be about protection the defensive rather than creating.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Came off the bench against Burnley and wasted a big chance. Mac Allister’s form has been a concern this campaign but he’s been better in Europe.
RW - Mo Salah
Slot has insisted that he has no issues with Salah after the winger claimed he’d been ‘thrown under a bus’ before heading to AFCON. But Liverpool are looking more defensively stable and that could help Salah get back to his best.
AM - Curtis Jones
The homegrown midfielder has started nine of the past 10 games. Jones is important as he’s ever been in Liverpool’s teams - but now needs to start adding goals and assists to his game.
LW - Florian Wirtz
The £100m signing from Bayer Leverkusen has been in superb form, scoring four goals in his past six games.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Not quite at his best against Burnley but Ekitike was entitled to an off-day given his performances this season, while he will have a point to prove in his homeland.
Mamardashvili, Woodman, Robertson, Frimpong, Endo, Nyoni, Gakpo, Chiesa, Ngumoha.
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