Arne Slot Could Hand Out Liverpool Debut and Andy Robertson Replacement First Appearance for Years
Arne Slot is expected to make several adjustments when Liverpool face Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals.
Liverpool resume their League Cup campaign on Wednesday, travelling to Southampton with the aim of securing a spot in the semi-finals. Manager Arne Slot is likely to make some alterations to his side for this important clash against the Saints.
Andy Robertson will be unavailable for selection after receiving a red card during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday. The Scotland captain will serve a one-match suspension, limiting Slot’s defensive options for the match on the South Coast.
On a positive note, Alexis Mac Allister is back from suspension, while Diogo Jota, who scored on his return from injury against Fulham, is also available. Additionally, Federico Chiesa’s return to fitness offers Slot more options to rotate his squad in other areas of the pitch.
As the festive period approaches, some of Liverpool’s fringe players will be eager for a chance to impress. Newsnow Liverpool explores the potential changes Slot could introduce for the showdown with Southampton.
Kelleher Returns
Caoimhin Kelleher could be set to return to the starting line-up, replacing Alisson Becker in goal after losing his place when the Brazilian recovered from injury earlier this month. However, Arne Slot has limited options to work with in Liverpool’s defence.
With Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, and Kostas Tsimikas still unavailable, Jarell Quansah is the only senior defender available to step in for the suspended Andy Robertson. This could lead to Joe Gomez being shifted to left-back, although Trent Alexander-Arnold might also be considered, having recently played there for England.
Another potential option at left-back is James Norris, a more natural fit for the position. However, the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Tranmere Rovers, has not featured for Liverpool’s first team since a brief appearance off the bench in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury Town in January 2022.
Elsewhere, 18-year-old Amara Nallo could be an alternative at centre-back. If Slot decides to hand the teenager his senior debut, it would come after he was included on the bench for Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United earlier this month.
Mac Allister Returns in Midfield
Mac Allister is expected to return to the starting line-up against Southampton after serving a suspension that sidelined him for Liverpool’s last two matches. However, his exact position in midfield remains uncertain.
Ryan Gravenberch is likely to be rested, opening the door for Wataru Endo to take over the number six role. Tyler Morton could also feature in midfield, potentially alongside Mac Allister if the Argentine is deployed in a more advanced number 10 position.
Should Mac Allister operate in a deeper role, Harvey Elliott might make his first start of the season as a number 10. Alternatively, Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai could retain their spots in the midfield, while young prospect Trey Nyoni is another option for Arne Slot to consider.
Rotate the Attack
After providing an assist off the bench against Fulham, Darwin Nunez is expected to return to the starting line-up to lead the attack against Southampton.
Diogo Jota could start on the left if Arne Slot deems the Portuguese forward fit enough, following his goalscoring cameo against the Cottagers after a two-month injury layoff.
Federico Chiesa is an option for the right-wing, though he may be more likely to feature as a substitute, given that he has not played since September.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is almost certain to be rested, with Harvey Elliott a potential alternative on the flank.
Slot might also choose to retain Cody Gakpo and/or Luis Diaz in the starting XI as Liverpool aim to take another step towards defending their League Cup title and securing a return to Wembley.
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