View: Arne Slot to axe Luis Diaz in eight changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Brighton
Arne Slot could axe Luis Diaz in eight changes when Liverpool hosts Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday 2 November.
The Reds will face Brighton for the second time in four days after travelling to the Amex Stadium on Wednesday [30 October], progressing to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup courtesy of a Cody Gakpo brace and Diaz goal in the 3-2 win.
However, Slot chose to line up without a recognised focal point for the attack on the South Coast, Darwin Nunez is expected to return for the Premier League tie, and Gakpo resoundingly outperformed Diaz on the night and should reclaim his spot on the left flank.
Liverpool rotated heavily for the Carabao Cup clash and will be expected to welcome back familiar faces to the starting lineup on the weekend.
Arne Slot to name eight changes for Liverpool v Brighton
Vitezslav Jaros was rewarded with his full debut for the Reds on Wednesday – performing admirably and making five saves [Sofascore], including a blockbuster stop to deny Simon Adringa early in the second half. However, Caoimhin Kelleher is the main deputy for the injured Alisson on Merseyside and should return on Saturday.
Conor Bradley walked back into the side following his return from injury without skipping a beat, completing 85 per cent of his passes with two key passes and completing 100 per cent of his dribbles. The 21-year-old is expected to drop to the bench for Trent Alexander-Arnold but should be proud of his outing at the Amex.
Jarell Quansah had a night to forget in the Carabao Cup producing one error leading to a goal with his wayward pass and deflected Tariq Lamptey’s long-range strike past Jaros to set up a nervy ending to the clash. Ibrahima Konate should return to the starting lineup alongside Virgil van Dijk in place of Joe Gomez with Andy Robertson completing the backline.
Wataru Endo performed well in a rare start for the Japanese international, winning 63 per cent of his duels and completing 82 per cent of his passes but he should return to the bench for the in-form Ryan Gravenberch.
Tyler Morton produced a stellar display in his first start this season, completing 81 per cent of his passes with one key pass and one assist for Gakpo’s opener against Brighton. However, Alexis Mac Allister will be expected to line up against his former side to add his creativity to the midfield.
Dominik Szobszlai struggled on Wednesday as he shared the role of the makeshift number nine with Curtis Jones, missing two big chances with his two shots on target. The Hungarian is becoming the nearly man at Liverpool this year but should continue to try and play himself into form at the weekend.
Arne Slot cannot ignore Cody Gakpo for Liverpool v Brighton
Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez should return to form a more traditional frontline for the Reds with Curtis Jones, failing to capitalise on his recent first team resurgence with a string of lackluster performances.
However, Slot’s toughest decision ahead of the match is who to select to start on the left flank after Gakpo and Diaz both scored midweek.
Diaz, playing out of position at right wing, completed 90 percent of his passes with one key pass, won 50 per cent of his duels, and scored his goal from two shots on target albeit, one big chance was missed.
Gakpo recorded a 100 per cent shot conversion rate with a brace from two shots on target, completed 77 per cent of his passes with two key passes while only completing 40 percent of his dribbles, and lost 62.5 per cent of his duels.
It is truly a toss-up between the forwards but Slot cannot ignore a brace scored from Gakpo and should select his Dutch compatriot to resume the reins on the left of the attack.
In other Liverpool news, one Reds talent out on loan is causing a selection dilemma after what Arne Slot said.
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