Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Three Changes as Liverpool Face Leicester City | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: Changes Expected as Liverpool Face Leicester City

Liverpool host Leicester City at Anfield as the Reds look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Arne Slot’s side come into the game off the back of a thrilling 6-3 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur, with four different players putting their names on the scoresheet.

The visitors come into the game under the guidance of new head coach and Manchester United legend, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who has won just one of his first five games in charge. Most recently, the Foxes have put in two disastrous defensive performances in the 4-0 and 3-0 defeats to Newcastle United and Wolves.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for this one…

Photo: IMAGO

One Change at the Back

Alisson Becker will remain in goal for this one and will continue to do so until the FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley, where Caoimhin Kelleher will be eyeing minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back, but Kostas Tsimikas will come in for Andy Robertson on the left-side, to give the Scotsman a needed break.

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of defence, but there is a small debate on who will join him. Some could suggest that this would be an ideal game to rest Joe Gomez and give Jarell Quansah some valuable minutes. However, I think Slot will stick with Gomez given his hugely impressive form lately and due to the fact that Ibou Konate could be set to return over the next few weeks.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

Curtis Jones’ Return

This may feel harsh following his tremendous display against Tottenham Hotspur, but I expect Curtis Jones to come into the side in the place of Dominik Szoboszlai. If anything, this speaks volumes of just how crucial the Hungarian is to Liverpool’s title pursuit and a burn-out like last season must be avoided at all costs.

Photo: IMAGO

Behind Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will partner each other at the base of the midfield. It would be fair to expect to see Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott also get some minutes in this one, depending on the performance.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones

Jota’s First Start Back

I suspect that Diogo Jota will make the starting lineup for the first time since returning from a rib injury that had sidelined him for two months. The Portuguese forward made a huge impact off the bench against Fulham and has since made two more substitute cameos against Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s almost impossible to leave Luis Diaz out after his performance against Spurs, so the Colombian will join Mohamed Salah on the flanks. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo will provide some crucial depth from the bench.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Robertson, Endo, Szoboszlai, Nyoni, Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez