Liverpool are next up against Sunderland in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posers
Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Liverpool boss Arne Slot(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
View Image
Liverpool couldn't make it three in a row at Anfield when they let a late lead slip to lose 2-1 against moneybags Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Dominik Szoboszlai thumped in a tremendous free-kick from long range only for Bernardo Silva to equalise before Erling Haaland scored an injury-time winner from the penalty spot.
Arne Slot's side will now aim to close the gap on the top five in the Premier League when they travel to Sunderland on Wednesday evening.
And here we look ahead to the changes Reds head coach Slot could make when his team are next in action.
Author avatar
Author avatar
Jones all right?
With nobody expected back available and Szoboszlai joining those on the sidelines through suspension, Slot doesn't have much room to rotate for the second of three games inside seven days.
Alisson Becker remains first-choice between the sticks with Giorgi Mamardashvili likely to appear in the FA Cup tie against Brighton on Saturday. Freddie Woodman is the third goalkeeper.
Slot has indicated Joe Gomez won't be fit in time, so Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are poised to have to go again at centre-back. Giovanni Leoni is out for the season, youngster Wellity Lucky is hamstrung which leaves Wataru Endo as the only realistic alternative.
Endo, though, could be needed at right-back with Gomez set to still be out alongside Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Szoboszlai. Calvin Ramsay has yet to make a Premier League appearance but could be on standby, although Curtis Jones appears the more likely choice.
Milos Kerkez was impressive against City meaning Andy Robertson may have to wait until the weekend to feature at left-back.
Midfield conundrum
The absence of Szoboszlai and the possibility of Endo and Jones featuring in the rearguard means Slot doesn't have many senior options in midfield.
Either could be an option at the base of the engine room should Slot look to freshen up the usual partnership of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Jones is also an alternative in the number 10 role although Florian Wirtz appears to have nailed down the position at present.
Trey Nyoni has featured for only a few minutes in the Premier League while Stefan Bajcetic appears no nearer a return from a long-term hamstring issue.
Chiesa standby
The attack has remained unchanged for the last few games and the smart money is on the status quo being maintained at the Stadium of Light. Cody Gakpo has featured on the left, with Hugo Ekitike down the middle and Mohamed Salah on the right.
Federico Chiesa is an option across the front line while Gakpo could conceivably push down the middle should Ekitike be rested.
Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old left winger, has yet to make a Premier League start while Academy forward Jayden Danns is still out.