Arne Slot has a key midfield decision to make against Arsenal, as well as deciding whether to keep Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back.
The Premier League champions face their biggest test of the season so far, hosting a much-fancied Gunners side to Anfield.
Monday’s 3-2 win at Newcastle was celebrated joyously, but the performance was far from convincing.
The same applied in the opening game at home to Bournemouth, so improvements are needed against one of the Premier League title favourites.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up vs. Arsenal.
Team news
Slot is still fairly light on right-back options for the visit of Arsenal, but two players are back:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Arsenal
Liverpool left it late to secure a dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)
On the face of it, Slot doesn’t need to tweak his team too much from the Newcastle game, but there is a big decision to make at right-back.
Szoboszlai was exceptional in an auxiliary role at St James’ Park, but there is still a risk in using him at right-back against such strong opponents this weekend.
Conor Bradley is now back in full training and in contention, but equally, he looked rusty at Newcastle and is far from fully match fit.
For that reason, we think Szoboszlai will be retained at right-back, likely coming up against Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli or Eberechi Eze.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is fit again and should return alongside Ryan Gravenberch, with Curtis Jones relegated to the bench.
Florian Wirtz is expected continue in the No. 10 behind the forward line of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike, with the German looking for a statement performance.
Szoboszlai to start at right-back despite Bradley being fit
Mac Allister returns to the midfield; Jones makes way
Forward line stays the same
This is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
While much of Liverpool’s team to face Arsenal picks itself, there are a few conundrums for Slot to get his head around.
As mentioned, Bradley has trained this week and got minutes at Newcastle, so there is logic in putting a proper right-back into the team over Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian has started the season impressively, however, so leaving him out of the starting lineup entirely would feel harsh.
For that reason, Szoboszlai could potentially start next to Gravenberch, with Mac Allister, who is still lacking match fitness, on the bench.
Not picking the Argentine World Cup winner would be a gamble, though, given his vast influence.
These are the alterations that Slot could make:
Bradley at right-back in place of Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai returns to midfield if Mac Allister isn’t match fit
Those tweaks look like this:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
This promises to be a massive test of Liverpool’s title credentials, following a hit-and-miss start to the season in terms of performances.
Arsenal look primed for an assault on the title, also winning their first two games and making some strong signings, including Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.
Notable improvements are needed by Liverpool, but they are still the title favourites and having Mac Allister back could be significant.