Arne Slot faces major Virgil van Dijk decision as Liverpool consider overhaul
Liverpool's season suffered a rare blip when they were held to a 2-2 draw by bitter North West rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon at Anfield. Cody Gakpo netted and Mohamed Salah scored his 21st goal of the season from the penalty spot shortly to ensure the Reds remain six points clear at the Premier League summit with a game in hand.
Liverpool will now turn their attention to the League Cup when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur for the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night.
And here we look ahead to the changes Slot could make when his team are next in action.
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Endo on standby
The League Cup has offered an opportunity for a number of fringe players and youngsters this season. And while the competition is reaching a finale, Slot is likely to rest regulars although more heavy rotation could perhaps be expected for the FA Cup third round tie at home to Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
One change will see Caoimhin Kelleher replace Alisson Becker in goal, with Vitezslav Jaros - who started the win over Brighton in the fourth round - likely to be the substitute keeper.
Kostas Tsimikas is in line to rotate in for Andy Robertson at left-back, while Conor Bradley is available to provide competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other defensive flank.
With Joe Gomez hamstrung and Slot having already stated Ibrahima Konate will be unable to start, Jarell Quansah is certain to step in at centre-back. However, the Liverpool boss must decide whether to keep skipper Virgil van Dijk in the team or play Wataru Endo in defence, as in the previous round at Southampton.
Szoboszlai question
Should Endo not be required at centre-back, the Japan international would be expected to begin in a defensive midfield role with Ryan Gravenberch having not been involved in a single matchday squad in the League Cup this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who has missed the last two games through suspension then illness, is likely to be a strong option to start in the engine room should he be fit enough. Curtis Jones is another possibility for inclusion but has started the last three games and may be due a breather.
Tyler Morton has started the last two rounds as a defensive midfielder, while Alexis Mac Allister was in the line-up at Southampton but would be primed for a rest after a busy festive period.
Harvey Elliott will be hopeful of a role in the number 10 position having made his one start of the campaign on the South Coast before Christmas, while teenager Trey Nyoni also began the win over the Saints and will be expecting bench duty at the very least at Tottenham.
Time for Jota?
Rotation is most likely up front, with both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota vying for roles. Jota hasn't made a start since his return to action six games ago, although whether he lines up on the left or down the centre will depend on whether Nunez operates in the latter role.
Cody Gakpo is another player due a rest although he has started all three previous League Cup games this term, scoring four goals and providing an assist. Luis Diaz, meanwhile, missed out completely at Southampton in the last round.
Mohamed Salah has only ever started four League Cup games for Liverpool, but could line up on the right with Federico Chiesa and Elliott other alternatives.
