Liverpool could face Alexis Mac Allister nightmare ahead of Man City clash

Alexis Mac Allister could pose a problem for Liverpool ahead of what will be a crucial run of games heading into the end of 2024.

The Reds will be aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League when they take on Aston Villa at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side currently sits two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, while they are also seven ahead of Arsenal.

Liverpool will soon have the chance to deliver a major blow to their closest rivals, with a first meeting with City awaiting soon after the forthcoming international break. Mac Allister though is at serious risk of missing the clash as he walks a tightrope suspension.

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The Reds are already without four players through injury at the moment, and Slot will be hoping at least some of Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Alisson Becker will be back in time for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side on December 1. The worst-case scenario though could see one of his key midfielders join the list of absentees.

Mac Allister is currently on four yellow cards in the league for this season, having been booked against his former side Brighton last weekend. A fifth caution before the 19th game of the campaign – which is still nine games away – would see the Argentine hit with a one-game suspension.

With just two games to go – Villa and Southampton – before the Reds face City, there will be obvious concerns that Mac Allister could end up being ruled out for the crucial title clash. Not only that, but with trips to Newcastle and Everton following straight after, Slot will not want to be without one of his key midfielders at the start of December.

If Mac Allister is to pick up a fifth yellow card then, which seems likely with a long time to go before the cut-off point, his best option might be against Villa tomorrow, in order to ensure he only misses the trip to Southampton.

Two other players are also walking a tightrope ahead of those crucial games next month. Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai are both currently on three yellow cards each, and could therefore miss the City game if they pick up bookings against Villa and Southampton.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez are all on two bookings each, while Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk have all picked up just one yellow so far.