Liverpool Line-ups for PL Clash with Bournemouth as Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo Decisions Made
Liverpool FC’s writers at The Echo have shared their thoughts on the line-ups for today’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Anfield.
After a surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Liverpool will be looking to re-establish Anfield as a stronghold. That defeat marked the Reds’ first home loss to Forest in over 55 years.
Despite the setback, Arne Slot’s team bounced back impressively midweek, securing a 3-1 victory over seven-time European champions AC Milan at the San Siro in their Champions League opener.
Liverpool will now aim to maintain that positive momentum, hoping to show that the loss to Forest was just a minor stumble early in the season. But should Slot make changes to his starting eleven? The Echo’s writers weigh in with their opinions.
Ian Doyle – “Gakpo Should Stay in”
“The win against AC Milan was much-needed in settled any nerves that would have been sent jangling by the unexpected Forest reverse. And it was a first time Slot tentatively dipped his toe into the rotation waters.
“He’ll need to do that again for the visit of Bournemouth, although that next midweek is the beginning of the League Cup would suggest a lot of regulars so far this season won’t be involved from the start.
“The hamstring injury of Alisson Becker would suggest there is at least one change, with Caoimhin Kelleher coming in.
“Andy Robertson can return at left-back, with the remainder of the defence staying the same. That means Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and skipper Virgil van Dijk joined by Ibrahima Konate at centre-back.
“In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch has become one of the first names on the teamsheet, and there’s no reason to yet rotate with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai also keeping their place.
“Up top, though, Cody Gakpo should stay in but at the expense of Diogo Jota down the middle, with Luis Diaz returning on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right.”
Ian Doyle’s Team (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Gakpo.
Beth Lindop – “Nunez Should Get His Chance”
“Last weekend’s defeat to Nottingham Forest proved that no opponent in the Premier League should be underestimated and, with Liverpool needing to bounce back from their Anfield upset, I would expect Arne Slot to largely stick with the same team that impressed at the San Siro.
“Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury will likely necessitate a start for Caoimhin Kelleher, who will surely be chomping at the bit to prove his abilities to his new head coach after expressing his desire to play more first-team football earlier this month.
“With several of the backline almost certain to get a rest against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup, Andy Robertson for Kostas Tsimikas is the only change I would make in that department.
“The balance of Liverpool’s midfield was one of the most impressive things about Tuesday’s win over AC Milan so I would stick with the trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, with the latter seemingly going from strength to strength under Slot.
“Up front, Cody Gakpo keeps his place after a superb showing in Milan, with Luis Diaz offering Liverpool a pacey, unpredictable option off the bench. I would keep Mo Salah on the right however Darwin Nunez should come in for Diogo Jota, who could benefit from a rest after starting all of the Reds’ games this season.
Beth Lindop’ Team (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Nunez; Gakpo.
Joe Rimmer – “Diaz Should Return”
“Arne Slot isn’t one for big changes and I can’t see too many for the home game against Bournemouth. That means tough decisions, but with plenty of football to come, Liverpool will have the opportunity to use their squad further in the coming weeks.
“Caoimhin Kelleher should start in goal, there’s no reason to take risks with Alisson Becker. Andy Robertson returns at left-back for Kostas Tsimikas and the rest of the defence remains the same. Consistency in that back four can only be a positive.
“I see no reason to make any changes in a midfield that is allowing Ryan Gravenberch to thrive.
“Up front is where things get difficult. It might seem harsh, but I would drop Cody Gakpo back to the bench in favour of Luis Diaz, who has been in excellent form this season. I’d then bring in Darwin Nunez for Diogo Jota, with Mohamed Salah on the other side of the attack.
“It appears as though Slot has his positions worked out so while Gakpo could start down the middle, Nunez can give Liverpool some more unpredictability with Jota a good option from the bench.
Joe Rimmer”s Team (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.
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