Lynch: ‘Expect big names to be rested’ for Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Bologna | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Bologna: Lineup Changes David Lynch Expects for the Champions League Clash

As Liverpool prepare to face Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday, the conversation around the fanbase is buzzing with predictions for how Arne Slot will rotate his squad. In the latest Media Matters podcast on Anfield Index, David Lynch joined Dave Davis to break down the potential lineup changes for this important midweek fixture.

Squad Rotation Key for Slot’s Strategy

David Lynch emphasised that, with a congested fixture list, Slot is likely to rotate his team to ensure his squad remains fresh. “Liverpool have a lot of games coming up, and Slot has to manage that,” Lynch remarked. “The Champions League is crucial, but so is maintaining momentum in the Premier League. Expect some big names to be rested.”

Lynch explained that Liverpool’s depth will come into play, especially in this midweek fixture. “You can expect some changes, particularly in midfield and defense,” he stated. “Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold may get a rest, while others who’ve been on the fringes will get a chance to step up.”

Photo: IMAGO

Potential Midfield Changes

Lynch hinted at some specific names that might feature in the midfield. “We could see players like Wataru Endo instead of Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Lynch believes Slot will want to rest some of his usual midfield starters like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of important Premier League games.

He continued, “Gravenberch in particular has been impressive, and this game against Bologna could be the perfect opportunity to give him a rest. Endo is also a solid option, especially if Slot wants more defensive security in the middle of the park.”

Defensive Shuffles Expected

Another area Lynch expects changes is in Liverpool’s defence. “It’s likely that we’ll see some rotation at the back,” he said. “Players like Ibrahima Konaté might be rested to prevent fatigue, and this could open the door for the likes of Jarell Quansah to come in.”

Lynch also mentioned the possibility of Kostas Tsimikas starting over Andrew Robertson. “Robertson has been putting in a lot of minutes, and with a packed schedule, Tsimikas could be a good shout to start on the left. He’s more than capable of filling in,” Lynch observed.

Photo: IMAGO

Different Look in Attack?

When it comes to Liverpool’s attack, Lynch expects a few tweaks but doesn’t foresee a full overhaul. “You may see one or two changes up front, but not a complete reshuffle,” Lynch predicted. “Luis Díaz might be given a rest, and we could see Darwin Núñez leading the line.”

However, Lynch stressed that Mohamed Salah is almost certain to feature in the starting XI. “Salah’s one of those players who rarely gets rested, especially in big games. Slot knows how crucial he is, and with Bologna being a must-win, I’d expect Salah to start.”

Bologna: Must-Win For Liverpool

Lynch concluded the discussion by underlining the importance of the match against Bologna. “Liverpool need to win this one. After a strong start to their Champions League campaign, they can’t afford any slip-ups,” Lynch emphasised. “Slot will rotate, but he’ll be careful not to weaken the side too much. The depth in this squad is what will help Liverpool get through these kinds of games.”

Liverpool’s depth will indeed be tested against Bologna, but as Lynch suggests, Slot’s ability to shuffle the squad and keep key players fresh may well prove the difference in this high-stakes Champions League clash.