Federico Chiesa poised for rare opportunity as Arne Slot ponders resting six Liverpool stars
Arne Slot made five changes for Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town and the Dutchman is likely to rotate once more against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night. The Reds are already through to the Champions League round of 16 and guaranteed at least a top-two finish in the inaugural league phase of the revamped tournament.
Having won all seven of their matches to date, Liverpool are three points clear of second-placed Barcelona heading into their final league fixture.
Consequently, they only need a point to secure top spot, with the Catalans needing to beat Atalanta to stand any chance of leapfrogging the Reds.
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An emphatic win over Ipswich already enabled Slot to rest legs and replace Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch midway through the second half.
Expected to freshen things up once more in his native Netherlands - especially with a daunting trip to AFC Bournemouth looming - the ECHO takes a look at the changes Slot could make to his Reds XI…
Robertson retained
Andy Robertson will likely keep his place at left-back, but Conor Bradley could come back in for Trent Alexander-Arnold after starting against Lille.
Jarell Quansah could also start again after making his full Champions League debut against the Ligue 1 outfit, with it up to Slot whether it would be more beneficial to again manage Ibrahima Konate after injury or grant Virgil van Dijk a rare night off.
Alisson Becker remains first-choice for Liverpool, but Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise if Slot also chooses to rest the Brazilian.
Elliott and Endo start
While Gravenberch was taken off reasonably early against Ipswich, Slot could still take the opportunity to rest his compatriot against PSV. If so, Wataru Endo is on standby to start.
Harvey Elliott could also be given an opportunity to start in his favoured position at number 10. But with Curtis Jones likely to miss out through injury, and not needing to be risked even if back, either Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister will be required to make up the trio.
Tyler Morton is also an option if Slot opts to change his entire engine-room.
Chiesa handed chance
Gakpo will be itching to start against his former club so likely keeps his place after being taken off against Ipswich, while Darwin Nunez will fancy his chances of being recalled down the middle.
Federico Chiesa could also be in contention for only his second Liverpool start if Slot takes advantage of a rare opportunity to rest Mohamed Salah. With Diogo Jota still injured, Jayden Danns is another alternative in attack.