Liverpool extended its unbeaten run to 13 games with a 3-0 victory over Marseille and will now aim to address its frustrating Premier League form when it faces Bournemouth on Saturday
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
09:41, 23 Jan 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has some big decisions to make
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has some big decisions to make(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool continued its unbeaten streak in style in France on Wednesday, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League.
The Reds have now dodged defeat in 13 matches across all competitions and are well-positioned to advance directly to the last 16 of Europe's top club knockout tournament. Arne Slot's players will now turn their attention to rectifying their inconsistent Premier League form when they face Bournemouth on the South Coast this Saturday.
The Reds are fourth in the Premier League table, just one point ahead of Manchester United in fifth. In anticipation of their next match, we consider the potential changes that Liverpool head coach Slot might implement.
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Robertson on standby
The Reds have been subtly rotating their squad in recent weeks, centred around a core group of approximately 15 players, which was strengthened by the return of Mohamed Salah from Africa Cup of Nations duty this week.
The extent of changes in defence will largely hinge on the availability of Ibrahima Konate, who missed the Marseille match due to personal reasons.
Joe Gomez proved more than capable when filling in at center-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in France. Wataru Endo would be the next choice, with young Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season.
Liverpool won in midweek
Liverpool won in midweek(Image: Getty Images)
With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Jeremie Frimpong is the only recognized senior right-back available, although Calvin Ramsay could step in, having been ineligible for the Champions League. Dominik Szoboszlai has also played in this position this season.
There may, however, be a selection dilemma at left-back, with Milos Kerkez performing admirably, but Slot is mindful of overworking his squad during a hectic January that sees this fixture as the seventh of nine matches this month. Andy Robertson stands ready to step in if required.
Formation dilemma
While Slot deployed a box midfield in France, it featured four of his usual starters in the middle of the park. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were paired once more at the base of midfield, with Endo and Curtis Jones providing alternatives, though Szoboszlai's versatility has been utilized in different positions this season.
Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operated in the more attacking midfield roles in France, with Jones also an option. All three would be candidates for the No. 10 position should Slot switch back to a 4-2-3-1 system. Teenager Trey Nyoni has managed only two fleeting substitute appearances in the Premier League this campaign.
Gakpo return?
Salah was deployed alongside Hugo Ekitike on the right of a twin-striker formation in France, with the pair expected to continue if Liverpool maintains that shape.
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Nevertheless, Salah would be the leading candidate to feature on the right in a 4-2-3-1, with Szoboszlai and Wirtz possible alternatives. Frimpong would almost certainly be needed in defence.
Ekitike sits above Cody Gakpo in the striking hierarchy with Alexander Isak sidelined for several months and Federico Chiesa uncertain after aggravating an issue during the pre-match warm-up in France.
Should a left winger be needed, Wirtz is the probable first choice despite Gakpo's goal as a substitute against Marseille, while 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha isn't considered prepared for a Premier League start just yet.