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Anfield Index
·8 February 2025
Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Seven Changes for Liverpool’s FA Cup Clash with Plymouth Argyle
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Anfield Index
·8 February 2025
With a crucial month ahead, Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle provides Arne Slot a golden opportunity to rest some key players and hand minutes to those on the fringes of his thriving squad.
Liverpool come into this one off the back of a huge semi-final victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, with a 4-0 demolition of the North London side. Slot opted to go with an incredibly strong lineup for that one, which suggests a heavily rotated lineup will be favoured on this occasion.
With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for this one…
Slot is set to make a few changes to his back line from Thursday’s win over Spurs. Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal for this one, after not having to make a single save in the 4-0 victory last time out.
Conor Bradley will also remain in the starting lineup after a brilliant performance on Thursday, whilst Joe Gomez continues his return from injury. Kostas Tsimikas will replace Andy Robertson on the opposite side of defence.
Photo: IMAGO
At the heart of the defence, both Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate will drop out of the side. Jarell Quansah will come into the defence and will be joined by the Warrior himself, Wataru Endo.
Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Endo, Quansah, Tsimikas
After deciding against a loan move for the youngster, Slot will likely hand a start to James McConnell after his impressive performance in the defeat to PSV in the UEFA Champions League last week.
Photo: IMAGO
The 20-year-old will be joined by a more experienced head in Curtis Jones, who will keep his place from Thursday’s victory. That would also mean that both Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will both be fully rested for Wednesday’s huge Merseyside derby clash with Everton.
Ahead of them, 17-year-old Trey Nyoni could get the nod as the most advanced midfielder and therefore provide further rest for the usual first-teamers.
Verdict: McConnell, Jones, Nyoni
Darwin Nunez will keep his place down the middle on Sunday after impressing against Spurs on Thursday, despite not being able to get himself on the scoresheet.
Harvey Elliott will come into the side on the right-wing in place of Mohamed Salah, who will likely be given the afternoon off. On the opposite side, Federico Chiesa will get another opportunity in the starting eleven after impressing in that role against PSV last week.
Photo: IMAGO
The likes of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz will be available from the bench to make an impact if needed.
Verdict: Elliott, Nunez, Chiesa
Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Endo, Quansah, Tsimikas, McConnell, Jones, Nyoni, Elliott, Nunez, Chiesa
Bench: Jaros, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha, Diaz, Jota