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Arne Slot ready to take Liverpool overhaul decision as several players wait on call

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Liverpool will have to do it the hard way if they are to maintain their hopes of retaining the League Cup after their controversial semi-final first leg defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. Lucas Bergvall scored the only goal with four minutes remaining to earn the Londoners a 1-0 lead going into next month's return game.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to the FA Cup when they entertain League Two strugglers Accrington Stanley in the third round on Saturday afternoon.

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

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Centre-back concern

Having gone reasonably strong at Tottenham in midweek and with a crucial Premier League trip to second-placed Nottingham Forest to come on Tuesday, Slot will make wholesale changes for the visit of Accrington, who stand 19th in League Two but have won their last two games.

After Alisson Becker surprisingly lined up in goal in North London, Caoimhin Kelleher will be expected to start with Vitezslav Jaros challenging for the role of substitute.

Kostas Tsimikas was rotated in for Andy Robertson at left-back and could revert to the bench, while Conor Bradley is in a similar position up against Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Slot, though, could have difficultly rotating at centre-back, with Joe Gomez injured and Jarell Quansah having been forced off on Wednesday through illness. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the only available senior centre-backs although Wataru Endo was impressive in the role for an hour at Tottenham.

Szoboszlai wait

Change is certain in midfield, where Ryan Gravenberch is due a rest having featured for the first time this season in the League Cup on Wednesday.

If Endo isn't required in defence, he will be expected to play in one of the two defensive midfield roles, while Alexis Mac Allister could also be taken out of the firing line.

Much will depend on the fitness of Dominik Szoboszlai, who would most likely come into the engine room. Curtis Jones has been under par in the number 10 role the last two games and Harvey Elliott is due a start.

Tyler Morton is nursing an ankle complaint and may not be ready, while youngsters James McConnell and Trey Nyoni will hope to be involved on the bench at least.

Time for Chiesa?

Federico Chiesa remains stuck on four appearances for Liverpool but having been on the bench for five of the last seven games, it could be time for him to make a start with Mohamed Salah expected to be rested.

Darwin Nunez was impressive during his cameo at Tottenham and could edge in down the middle of the attack ahead of Diogo Jota, while Luis Diaz would be primed to come in for Cody Gakpo on the left.