Liverpool put AC Milan to the sword within the Champions League earlier this week however should now channel that power towards Saturday’s Premier League conflict in opposition to Bournemouth.
Nobody could have forgotten final weekend’s disastrous defeat in opposition to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, however Arne Slot had beforehand engineered an ideal begin to life at Liverpool, and should now show that the wretched efficiency was nothing greater than a blip.
There are a number of accidents for the Reds to cope with – specifically that of Alisson Becker and Harvey Elliott – however the hosts have choices aplenty as they search to return to successful methods within the prime flight.
With Manchester Metropolis pitted in opposition to Arsenal this weekend, Liverpool have a terrific likelihood to make some headway within the Premier League, and Slot might implement as many as three modifications after successful on the San Siro on Tuesday night.
1
GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
You did not assume Alisson would full the marketing campaign with out selecting up at the least one harm, did you? Liverpool’s starring shot-stopper is likely one of the finest within the enterprise however seemingly made from glass at instances, having been mooted as a doubt for this weekend’s conflict.
Fortunately, Caoimhin Kelleher exists. The Eire worldwide has been immense for the Reds through the years and was hailed as “the most effective no.2 on the earth” by Jurgen Klopp final time period after successful the Carabao Cup.
2
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is simply so good. Towards Milan, the prized Scouser created 4 key passes – together with the whipped supply for the Reds’ opening purpose – and received three duels, as per Sofascore.
Bournemouth play with a trendy type however that is apt for Alexander-Arnold to wreak mayhem together with his sensible vary of passing.
3
CB – Ibrahima Konate
He scored for the primary time in over two years in midweek, powering house from shut vary after Alexander-Arnold curled in a beautiful free-kick. Ibrahima Konate‘s physicality and athleticism will make it tough for the Cherries to breach Liverpool’s backline.
Enemy assaults are oft-directed down the best aspect of Liverpool’s defence however with the right-back ever enhancing his defensive sport and Konate proving to be a rock, it is going to be tough certainly.
4
CB – Virgil van Dijk
The person himself. The rationale why assaults are scarcely directed his manner. Virgil van Dijk can be determined to rectify final weekend’s wretched outcome and get Liverpool again on observe.
He is simply so dominant and showcased with a nice headed purpose on the San Siro that he provides an attention-grabbing attacking dimension too.
5
LB – Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson was benched for Kostas Tsimikas for the opening sport of the Champions League. Maybe it is because he flattered to deceive in opposition to the Tough Timber.
Crushed by Anthony Elanga inside a minute of the winger’s introduction, Antoine Semenyo can be hoping to trigger the Scot some issues, however he’ll really feel as much as the duty, determined to show his value.
6
CM – Ryan Gravenberch
Ah, the person of the second. Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation this season, proving that botched efforts to signal a brand new quantity six – you, Martin Zubimendi – won’t show futile.
Ryan Gravenberch within the Premier League | ||
|---|---|---|
Stats (*per sport) | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
Matches (begins) | 26 (12) | 4 (4) |
Targets | 1 | 0 |
Assists | 0 | 0 |
Touches* | 28.8 | 77.8 |
Go completion | 83% | 88% |
Key passes | 0.6 | 0.3 |
Ball recoveries | 2.8 | 6.3 |
Dribbles accomplished* | 0.9 | 1.3 |
Tackles + interceptions* | 1.5 | 4.8 |
Whole duels received | 2.8 (47%) | 5.8 (58%) |
Stats through Sofascore | ||
He is a silky passer and he is ever-so press-resistant. Gravenberch performs how Slot likes to play, and he can be very important in preserving issues ticking tomorrow afternoon.
7
CM – Alexis Mac Allister
Talking of preserving issues ticking, Alexis Mac Allister is quietly going about his work this season. He hasn’t stepped into the limelight, however make no mistake, he’s the glue holding all of it collectively.
He begins as soon as once more, however anticipate to see the metronomic Argentine substituted earlier than the ultimate whistle. Maybe Curtis Jones will get extra minutes below his belt?
8
RW – Mohamed Salah
Let’s be candid: Mohamed Salah was garbage in opposition to Forest. Nothing labored, his passing was off-key and he trudged by way of the affair with an insipid air about him.
Mohamed Salah bounces again | ||
|---|---|---|
Match Stats | vs Nott’m Forest | vs AC Milan |
Minutes performed | 90′ | 89′ |
Targets | 0 | 0 |
Assists | 0 | 0 |
Photographs (on track) | 3 (2) | 5 (2) |
Hit woodwork | 0x | 2x |
Touches | 56 | 32 |
Correct passes | 28/40 (70%) | 15/19 (79%) |
Possession misplaced | 20x | 5x |
Key passes | 1 | 1 |
Dribbles (accomplished) | 5 (1) | 4 (3) |
Tackles | 0 | 2 |
Whole duels (received) | 8 (2) | 7 (6) |
Stats through Sofascore | ||
Oh, how he bounced again within the Champions League. The Egyptian is probably the most prolific participant in Liverpool’s squad and can be determined to return to the scoresheet, becoming his workforce into the win column.
9
AM – Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai opened his account below Slot on Tuesday, deftly turning house after nice work from Cody Gakpo (extra on him in a minute).
However he is nonetheless leaving loads to be desired. The Hungarian is immensely gifted with wheels for days, however he must be extra influential in attacking phases. He is obtained alternative to construct on his latest show tomorrow, downing Bournemouth with an overload of inventive power.
10
LW – Cody Gakpo
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle awarded a 9/10 match score to Gakpo after his immense efficiency in opposition to Milan. The Dutchman is at his finest when on the left wing and he would possibly simply preserve Luis Diaz out of the beginning line-up for the primary time within the league this season.
11
CF – Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez has been restricted to cameos because the begin of the season however now can be hoping to start out for the first time below the brand new boss after one other detached show from Diogo Jota in midweek.
Slot would possibly assume that Jota has accomplished nicely throughout latest matches, however he hasn’t. The Portugal worldwide has not scored since turning Salah’s move house on the opening day of the time period and has missed three massive probabilities in as many latest video games.
“Lethal” on his day, as journalist Lewis Oldham has stated, Nunez deserves this chance to showcase his abilities in entrance of his new boss. He is a fickle type, however , he would possibly simply mild Anfield up if supplied with a beginning berth.
Predicted Liverpool line-up in full: (GK) Caoimhin Kelleher; (RB) Trent Alexander-Arnold, (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil Van Dijk, (LB) Andy Robertson; (CM) Ryan Gravenberch, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (AM) Dominik Szoboszlai, (LW) Cody Gakpo; (CF) Darwin Nunez
