Slot Faces Tough Robertson Decision as Liverpool Consider Further Changes

Liverpool Focus Shifts to Premier League After Champions League Qualification, with Rotations and Jones Doubt

Liverpool maintained their perfect start in the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Lille at Anfield on Tuesday night, securing their place in the round of 16. Substitute Harvey Elliott scored the winning goal midway through the second half after Mohamed Salah’s first-half opener had been cancelled out by Jonathan David for the 10-man visitors.

Premier League Focus and Rotations on the Horizon

Liverpool now turn their attention to the Premier League as they host Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, aiming to maintain their position at the top. Rotation has played a crucial role for Slot in recent weeks, and the manager will once again rely on the depth of his squad for this fixture.

Possible Line-up Changes:

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker remains the undisputed starter, although Caoimhin Kelleher could be given an opportunity in the Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven mid-week. Vitezslav Jaros is the third-choice option.

Defence: Ibrahima Konate is expected to return to the starting line-up to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Jarell Quansah, who performed well on Tuesday, could also feature. Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold should return at right-back, although there is now genuine competition between Kostas Tsimikas, who has started the last two matches, and Andy Robertson at left-back.

Midfield: The potential injury absence of Curtis Jones, who was forced off at half-time against Lille, could lead to further changes in midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, who was a substitute on Tuesday, is expected to come into the starting XI alongside Ryan Gravenberch. Wataru Endo also impressed coming off the bench and could be in contention.

Attack: Cody Gakpo, who was rested on Tuesday, will challenge Luis Díaz for a starting spot on the left wing. Diogo Jota’s continued absence means Díaz will again be an alternative to Darwin Núñez through the middle, although the Uruguayan has had a greater recent impact in the position. Teenager Jayden Danns is another option. Mohamed Salah remains the first-choice option on the right wing.

The Curtis Jones Question Mark:

The potential absence of Curtis Jones creates uncertainty in Liverpool’s midfield. His recovery will be key in determining Slot’s decisions for the upcoming matches.

In summary, Liverpool are preparing to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League with the focus on maintaining their league lead. Slot will implement squad rotations, but Jones’ potential injury adds a question mark to the starting XI.