Arne Slot Faces Tough Dominik Szoboszlai Decision as Liverpool Ponder Consider Change
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture is against Newcastle United, with Arne Slot facing several selection dilemmas.
The Reds strengthened their grip at the summit of the Premier League with an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Mohamed Salah netted his 30th goal of the campaign, while Dominik Szoboszlai added a second before the break, securing Liverpool’s first league triumph at the Etihad Stadium in nearly ten years.
Liverpool will return to league action on Wednesday evening when they host Newcastle United. Slot’s side will be aiming to at least preserve their 11-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.
Here, Newsnow Liverpool examine the potential changes Slot might consider for his team’s upcoming encounter.
Tsimikas on Standby
The final match in a gruelling run of five Premier League fixtures within 15 days comes before a well-earned week of rest. For Arne Slot, the key concern will be determining how many of his players can push through one last time without increasing their risk of muscle injuries.
Alisson Becker is expected to retain his place in goal, with Caoimhin Kelleher as his backup and Vitezslav Jaros remaining the third-choice option.
With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez sidelined by injuries, Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost certain to continue at right-back, although Jarell Quansah did feature in that position during the 3-3 draw against Newcastle in December.
Quansah also provides cover at centre-back if either captain Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté is given a rest. However, a more likely change could see Kostas Tsimikas replace Andy Robertson at left-back, especially after Robertson showed signs of fatigue following an impressive first hour against Manchester City.
Midfield Reshuffle
Liverpool deployed a box midfield at the Etihad, with four players operating in the engine room. However, it would be a bold decision for Slot to adopt the same strategy at home, suggesting a three-man midfield is more likely on Wednesday.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been regulars in the double pivot and are expected to retain their spots, while Wataru Endo appears next in line after coming off the bench against City.
Dominik Szoboszlai put in a tremendous effort during the match at the Etihad and may be the most likely to be rested, potentially allowing Curtis Jones to maintain his starting position over Harvey Elliott.
Tyler Morton remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, while young prospects James McConnell and Trey Nyoni have yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season.
Strikers Ready
Liverpool’s forward line is set for a reshuffle on Wednesday, though Mohamed Salah remains a fixture on the right flank as a key player in Slot’s side.
Cody Gakpo made his return from injury with a late appearance against City and is likely to reclaim his spot on the left wing. This leaves a choice between Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez to occupy the central striking role.
Federico Chiesa is another attacking option but has yet to make a Premier League start since joining from Juventus in the summer.
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