Arne Slot is set to ring the changes for today’s early kick off at Brighton, with Liverpool’s injury hit squad facing a gruelling test of their Champions League qualification credentials at the AMEX Stadium (12.30 GMT).
A 4-0 demolition of Galatasaray in midweek booked the Reds’ spot in the quarter finals of Europe’s elite competition, but the celebrations have been swiftly followed by a familiar headache for the Dutchman: his squad is running on fumes and missing key men.
Mo Salah has been ruled out of the trip to the south coast. And in a blow that will send shivers through the Liverpool fanbase, No.1 Alisson Becker has not travelled either.
It leaves Slot with limited wriggle room and some tough decisions to make, particularly with several players struggling with cramp after the Galatasaray romp.
Victory today would lift Liverpool above fourth placed Aston Villa and open up a four point cushion over fifth placed Chelsea. In a season where Champions League qualification has been the clear target, this is no time for slip ups.
Here’s how the Reds could line up.
GK Giorgi Mamardashvili
With Alisson not making the trip, the Georgia international gets the nod between the sticks. A big test awaits against a Brighton side more than capable of causing problems.
RB Jeremie Frimpong
Wasn’t at his best against Galatasaray but his recovery pace will be vital to keep tabs on Brighton’s livewire Yankuba Minteh. Joe Gomez still doesn’t look ready to start.
CB Ibrahima Konate
Solid as a rock in midweek, winning his duels with an authority that has become his trademark. Needs to bring the same physicality here.
CB Virgil van Dijk
The skipper knows exactly what Brighton are about. Will have to keep his backline organised and alert because the Seagulls will probe.
LB Andy Robertson
Milos Kerkez was excellent against Gala but put in a serious shift. Robertson comes in for fresh legs, with his experience crucial in a high intensity away day.
CM Ryan Gravenberch
Got on the scoresheet in midweek but his real value here will be shielding the back four. Brighton like to play through the lines, he’ll need to be switched on.
CM Dominik Szoboszlai
Reminded everyone why he’s so much more effective in midfield rather than being shunted out to full back. His pressing and energy sets the tone for this side.
CM Curtis Jones
Impressed when he came on at right back against Galatasaray. Could be rewarded with a start in the league, especially with Alexis Mac Allister having clocked huge minutes lately.
RW Florian Wirtz
Dictated the tempo against Gala, especially in the second half. He’s suited to a box midfield role but could be asked to fill in on the right flank today, where his understanding with Frimpong could prove useful.
ST Hugo Ekitike
A real handful against Galatasaray, using his dribbling to cause chaos. His goal will have done wonders for his confidence heading into this one.
LW Cody Gakpo
Came off the bench in midweek and with Salah sidelined, looks the obvious choice to come back into the starting XI ahead of young Rio Ngumoha.
Subs: Woodman, Kerkez, Gomez, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Morrison.
