As Liverpool travels to play Galatasaray on Tuesday, Arne Slot has make judgments on his starting lineup. There are arguments for and against each choice. Slot managed to rest nine of his usual players against Southampton in the middle of the week, but his lackluster performance at Crystal Palace on Sunday did not translate into three points.
With a good starting lineup, Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid to earn their first three points in the Champions League. However, there is a case to be made for Slot to make some changes to his team again for the journey to Istanbul. We have identified three players Slot should start in the Champions League and three he should bench for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
START – Federico Chiesa
Even though Chiesa was initially left out of the Champions League team, his two goals and two assists in his six games should have earned him a spot in the starting lineup. When other members of the team are having trouble getting going, he is driving the issue, and Liverpool needs his drive and perseverance to win. Chiesa is one of the few players with momentum on his side and is in better physical condition than he was the previous season. He can be relied on to fulfill his duty. The Reds will only benefit from boosting the Italian’s confidence this early on because of his ability to move others into the game.
OUT – Milos Kerkez
The Hungarian just needs time to get used to Liverpool, and it could be better for him to leave the team before the October international break. He deserves the time and patience to go through that procedure because he has all the necessary resources and attributes to succeed. Andy Robertson’s situation didn’t turn out so awful! This game will be played in a boisterous environment, and Liverpool might require experience to win this match while still establishing themselves as a new team. In addition to his efforts for Hungary, Kerkez has played the ninth-most minutes and appeared in every game for the team thus far.
START – Andy Robertson
Kerkez has had a rough start to life at Anfield as he adjusts to a new style of play under Slot, as was previously noted. However, he may now be removed from the fire. It goes without saying that Robertson will start at left-back, and the Scot will be considerably rested after making only two club appearances this season. Even if he isn’t the player he used to be, his background and relationship with Cody Gakpo and those in midfield could help Liverpool regain some consistency and form. Robertson should be brought in. Can he start two games in five days? That is the question.
OUT – Ibrahima Konate
This one is nearly self-explanatory. Ibrahima Konate has had a patchy and unpredictable start to the season; at Palace, he was especially careless with the ball and put pressure on Alisson. Maybe mistakes are more noticeable when Virgil van Dijk is there, but he needs a rival to push him to perform at his peak, so why not give Joe Gomez that challenge?
START – Joe Gomez
With just three fit senior center-backs left in the squad, Gomez’s significance has only increased as a result of Leoni’s injury. Gomez is comfortable playing alongside Van Dijk, and even though he has only played 119 minutes this season, he has every opportunity to become a consistent starter. This elite defender has repeatedly shown what he is capable of when healthy, therefore he shouldn’t be restricted to cup games alone.
OUT – Mohamed Salah
Although it is somewhat inexplicable that Salah would be listed as a “out,” he is constantly posing a threat and finds it difficult to participate. He might be able to regain some form against what you hope will be exhausted legs late in the game by playing as an impact substitute. Every offensive player is available and fit for Liverpool to make this change, and if the Egyptian is healthy, it might help them against Chelsea this weekend. Although he can always summon a little of magic out of the blue, he has already played 630 minutes, and there is no reason why he cannot do so from the bench.