View: Slot to axe 100% ace in four changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Bayer Leverkusen
Arne Slot could make the shock decision to leave Kostas Tsimikas out of his Liverpool starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
The Reds welcome the Bundesliga side to Anfield for the Champions League clash as Slot looks to extend his 100 per cent record in the competition.
However, despite Tsimikas excelling at left-back in the 2-1 win against Brighton on Saturday [2 November], the Greek international is expected to be replaced by Andy Robertson, as Slot must keep his side fresh ahead of a demanding fixture schedule.
Therefore, Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez should all get the nod, replacing Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate in the starting lineup.
Arne Slot to name four changes for Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen
Caoimhin Kelleher should continue between the sticks. He played a pivotal role in thwarting the first-half onslaught from Brighton on Saturday (2 November) as he made four saves [Sofascore].
Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled to find his passes on the weekend, ending his afternoon with only 65 per cent accuracy but managing two key passes and one big chance created. The 25-year-old will be expected to continue starting in the Champions League but may see his minutes shared with Conor Bradley in the coming weeks.
Virgil van Dijk should be selected again and, despite Ibrahima Konate confirming he has escaped serious injury, the Frenchman should be granted more time to recover. Joe Gomez is expected to be selected after a colossal second-half showing against Brighton, winning 100 per cent of his duels.
Tsimikas also produced arguably his best display in a Liverpool shirt on Saturday, winning 100 per cent of his duels and completing 91 per cent of his passes, with three key passes and two big chances created. The Greek international should be rested with a chance of starting against Aston Villa on the weekend, with Robertson returning to the side.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been nailed-on starters for Slot this season and the pair should be chosen to continue their stellar form against Bayer Leverkusen.
Szoboszlai produced a strong showing against Brighton by winning 50 per cent of his duels, meanwhile, and he had an 89 per cent pass completion last time out.
Jones replaced the Hungarian and completed 100 per cent of his passes and won 100 per cent of his duels contested – the Scouser should get the nod as the Reds will be eager to dominate possession against Xabi Alonso’s side.
Arne Slot should rest Cody Gakpo for Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen
Mohamed Salah salvaged the three points for the Reds with a sensational long-range strike at Anfield and his undoubtedly nailed-on spot on the right flank should continue, with Darwin Nunez leading the line with Diogo Jota still absent, despite registering only one shot on target on Saturday.
Gakpo was fortunate his cross found its way into the back of the net to level the tie for the Reds against Brighton. However, the Dutchman was on form again completing 100 per cent of his dribbles and 90 per cent of his passes with one key pass.
Therefore, Gakpo should be painted with the same brush as Tsimikas and dropped to the bench on Tuesday to remain fresh for the match against Aston Villa, with Diaz rewarded with another opportunity to state his case in the Champions League.
In other Liverpool news, Taylor Hinds shares her ‘tough’ Liverpool Women’s verdict after the win against Aston Villa.
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