Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Four Changes as Liverpool Face Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction as Liverpool Face Bayer Leverkusen Test

Liverpool return to UEFA Champions League action in high hopes after Saturday’s huge 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield. The atmosphere was absolutely bouncing in that one and Arne Slot will be hoping for more of the same tonight as Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield as Leverkusen head coach.

However, Slot faces a number of crucial decisions when selecting his starting eleven for this one with a number of key player sidelined through injury. Let’s take a look at our predicted lineup…

Two Changes at the Back

Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in between the sticks for this one, whilst Alisson Becker continues his return to fitness from his hamstring injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back once again, but Andy Robertson will come in for Kostas Tsimikas at left-back. The Scotsman’s energy could be pivotal in helping to pin back the attacking threat of Jeremie Frimpong on that side of the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of the defence, but will be joined by Joe Gomez on this occasion. Although Ibou Konate will likely be fit enough to start this one, I would lean towards rewarding Gomez for his immense performance against Brighton, whilst also giving Konate that extra safety around his knock.

Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Big Change in the Middle

Slot faces an intriguing decision in the middle of the park with Curtis Jones’ impressive cameo from the bench on Saturday adding another layer of consideration. With that being said, Jones will come into the side for Alexis Mac Allister alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

Photo: IMAGO

That means that Dominik Szoboszlai will remain as the most advanced midfielder and will aid the front-line in their attempts to press from the front.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Diaz’s Return

Luis Diaz will return to the starting lineup on the left-wing in place of Cody Gakpo, mostly for an introduction of fresh legs into the side. Darwin Nunez will lead the line down the middle and the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah will look to continue his stellar form from the right-wing.

Photo: IMAGO

Gakpo will play a role from the bench whilst the likes of Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota both still injured.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Jaros, Davies, Konate, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Morton, Nyoni, Gakpo