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Arne Slot faces difficult Andy Robertson decision as Liverpool consider more changes

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
-Credit:Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images


Liverpool maintained their 100% start to the Champions League and qualified for the knockout stages with a 2-1 win over Lille at Anfield on Tuesday evening. Substitute Harvey Elliott struck the winner midway through the second period after Mohamed Salah's first-half opener had been equalised by Jonathan David for the 10-man visitors.

Liverpool now turn their attention back to the Premier League when they entertain struggling Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday afternoon aiming to maintain their lead at the summit.

And here we look ahead to the changes Slot could make when his team are next in action.

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Left-back conundrum

Rotation has been playing a far more prominent role for Slot in recent weeks as Liverpool continue to negotiate a busy period. And the Reds head coach will once again rely on the depth of his squad for the game against the Tractor Boys.

Alisson Becker is firmly established between the sticks once more although an opportunity for Caoimhin Kelleher could arise in the Champions League at PSV Eindhoven next midweek. Vitezslav Jaros is third choice.

Ibrahima Konate remained on the bench against Lille but will be expected to come in to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back alongside Jarell Quansah, who performed well on Tuesday, Joe Gomez remains out with a hamstring complaint.

Conor Bradley gained much-needed minutes in midweek but Trent Alexander-Arnold should return at right-back, although there is now a real competition between Kostas Tsimikas, who has started the last two games, and Andy Robertson at left-back.

Jones wait

Slot has increasingly tinkered with his midfield of late and the potential absence through injury of Curtis Jones, who was forced off at half-time against Lille, means there could be further changes.

Alexis Mac Allister was a substitute on Tuesday but will be expected to come in alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield, although Wataru Endo impressed during his similar outing from the bench.

Dominik Szoboszlai was again the number 10 but a second impressive showing as substitute from Elliott means the Hungarian could come under pressure for a starting role.

Youngsters Tyler Morton, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell have yet to feature for a minute in the Premier League this season.

Nunez in possession

Cody Gakpo was another to be given a well-earned rest on Tuesday, and will now challenge Luis Diaz for a starting role on the left.

Down the middle, the ongoing absence of Diogo Jota means Diaz will once again also be an alternative to Darwin Nunez down the centre, although the Uruguayan has made more of a recent impact than the Colombian in the position. Teenager Jayden Danns is another option.

Federico Chiesa has been lively as a substitute in the last three games, but Mohamed Salah remains the first choice on the right side of the attack.