Arne Slot looks likely to shuffle his pack slightly as Liverpool face Fulham in between Champions League clashes with Paris Saint-Germain.
Unlike the French side, the Reds have not been given the weekend off, and will instead play in Saturday’s evening kick-off ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg at Anfield.
Given the thin nature of the Liverpool squad, Slot does not have too many options to change things against the Cottagers, but there is a good chance he makes at least three switches, all of which make the Reds weaker.
Wirtz needs a rest, but who on earth is going to play right-back?
It surely won't be Gomez or Frimpong 😬
Liverpool's Predicted XI vs Fulham
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Fulham
No. 1 – Cody Gakpo for Florian Wirtz
Often derided for regularly being picked despite being out of form, Cody Gakpo has taken more of a back seat recently.
Nevertheless, having come off the bench against PSG, the Dutchman is a virtual shoo-in to return at the weekend.
With Slot set to revert back to his usual 4-3-3 system, it feels most likely that Gakpo comes in for Florian Wirtz, who Liverpool need to really turn up on Tuesday.
Hugo Ekitike could also do with a rest, but given the renewed presence of Alexander Isak, the Frenchman will get his time off in the second-half.
Fulham v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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No. 2 – Curtis Jones for Alexis Mac Allister
Slot has shown a propensity to switch between Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister of late, with Jones starting at Man City and Mac Allister at PSG.
Continuing that theme, Jones will surely come back in against Fulham, saving Mac Allister’s weary legs for Tuesday.
The Argentine had a difficult evening on Wednesday as he chased the shadows of Vitinha and Joao Neves, and as he prepares for more of the same, another rest will be needed.
As for Jones, he has been poor when given chances lately, and whatever fans may think of Mac Allister’s form this season, he is still part of Liverpool’s strongest midfield.
No. 3 – Andy Robertson for Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson has been in the news in the build-up to this game after announcing that he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season.
He should get his first start since that inevitable announcement, as Slot makes one of his most predictable changes.
How would you rate Andy Robertson’s trophy-laden Liverpool career?
The curtain is finally coming down for Robbo at Anfield 🥲
Liverpool's Andy Robertson lifts the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop at Anfield on the final day of the season (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej
Milos Kerkez was not brilliant in Paris, but his commitment and pace could be crucial if Liverpool are to get a positive result on Tuesday.
Despite all the outpouring of love for Robertson this week, it has become clear this season that Kerkez is the way forward for Liverpool, and though it will be great to see the Scot – and he will get a brilliant reception at Anfield – his inclusion makes the Reds a worse side.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah will surely return to the line-up as well, but despite his struggles, the Egyptian’s inclusion should be seen as a positive.
Salah aside, all this does is highlight just how sparse this Liverpool group currently is. It could be another long weekend.
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