Alexis Mac Allister may have forced Arne Slot Liverpool decision amid Man City worry

Late November and early December have been earmarked as a crucial period in the early stages of Liverpool's season. Arne Slot's side are gearing up for a gruesome run which features Real Madrid in the Champions League before Premier League showdowns with Manchester City and rivals Everton.

The Reds sit at the summit of England's top-flight after yet another international break and unlike previous stints, they have a five-point cushion. Succeeding Jurgen Klopp was always going to be a tough ask for Slot but so far, he has navigated his way through the challenges seamlessly.

Before they face mammoth tests against the Champions League holders then the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool travel to strugglers Southampton. Russell Martin's side are looking to pick up valuable points in their bid for survival as they sit at the foot of the table with just four points.

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Sunday's trip to St Mary's may pale in significance to the two matches that follow. It offers an opportunity to keep their challengers at arms' length, but it also sees Alexis Mac Allister tread a disciplinary tightrope.

The Argentine has been a superb addition since he was prized away from Brighton last summer and he has established himself as an integral part of the midfield. He is, however, at risk of serving a one-match suspension for five yellow cards with the 25-year-old currently on four cautions.

A booking against the Saints would mean he'd miss the top-of-the-table clash with City, failing that he will be on thin ice for clashes against Newcastle and Everton thereafter. But for Slot, Sunday poses an opportunity to take Mac Allister out of the firing line and to alleviate any risk of missing the visit of Pep Guardiola's side.

Not only that, it appears that the 25-year-old was on the receiving end of some firm challenges from their South American rivals during the break. It has been suggested that a tackle in the latter stages of their 1-0 win over Peru forced him off as Lionel Scaloni's side moved five points clear.

There will be hopes that the ankle issue isn't serious but with playing 90 minutes, on top of 64 on Friday against Paraguay, as well as the travel to and from Buenos Aires, Mac Allister's involvement on Sunday could already be decided. Curtis Jones could then be afforded the opportunity to continue his fine form of form, which translated onto the international stage with England, and be handed a start on the South Coast.

Slot did so against Chelsea and Jones scored the winning goal, picking up the player of the match award too. And it could be a trick that the Dutchman implements again, although the use of Mac Allister has possibly already made a selection decision.