Alisson returns as Slot makes three changes- Liverpool predicted XI v Girona
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is not expected to heavily rotate his team for the Champions League clash with Girona.
The Reds lead at the summit of the Premier League was reduced to four points after the Merseyside derby was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
Alexis Mac Allister will miss the trip to Estadi Montilivi through suspension and Slot will also be without Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota, who are all injured.
However, the Dutchman will need to ensure the majority of his starters get into a rhythm after not playing for six days, therefore he will not make many changes to the team that started the 3-3 draw with Newcastle.
A world-class player returns for Liverpool
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to return from the hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace on 5 October.
Caoimhin Kelleher has been remarkable in the Brazilian’s absence, but with the 32-year-old returning, he should start to regain match fitness.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back after returning from injury against Newcastle and then getting a rest at the weekend.
The 26-year-old recorded two assists, had a 88 per cent pass accuracy, created three chances and made five passes into the final third in a 23 minute cameo against Newcastle. [Fotmob]
Captain Virgil van Dijk will lead the side for the clash in Catalonia, the Dutchman had a 90 per cent pass accuracy and made four passes into the final third against the Magpies.
Defensively, he made seven recoveries, six clearances, three interceptions, won two of four ground duels and both aerial duels he was involved in.
Jarell Quansah will partner the 33-year-old for the European contest, Joe Gomez did not impress against the Geordies so Quansah will get a shot to showcase his abilities against the Spanish side.
Against Newcastle, he had an 87 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just seven passes as he played in a makeshift right-back role until Alexander-Arnold’s introduction.
Defensively, he won four out of five tackles for an 80 per cent success rate, made two recoveries, one interception, one block, four clearances and won seven of nine attempted ground duels, for a success rate of 78 per cent.
Andy Robertson will continue at left-back due to Tsmikas’ absence, the Scottish international recorded a 91 per cent pass accuracy and nine passes into the final third.
Defensively, he won 50 per cent of his four ground duels and made four clearances and four recoveries.
One enforced change in Liverpool midfield
Ryan Gravenberch had a poor game by the lofty standards that he has set so far this campaign, recording an 89 per cent pass accuracy and was accurate with just one out of four long balls, for a 25 per cent success rate.
He also won just one of six attempted ground duels for a success rate of 17 per cent but he did make four interceptions.
Curtis Jones enjoyed his 150th appearance for the club, he scored the equaliser to get the Reds back into the game, had four touches in the opposition box and had a 96 per cent pass accuracy.
Dominik Szoboszlai was another who had a good cameo from the bench against the Magpies, he will replace Alexis Mac Allister who is suspended.
The Hungarian recorded a 100 per cent pass accuracy, made three recoveries and won the only tackle he attempted in a 23 minute cameo.
Nunez keeps his place upfront despite Newcastle woes
Mohamed Salah was almost responsible for a sensational comeback win with an assists for the opener and two stunning goals, that took the Egyptian’s tally to 13 goals and eight assists in 14 Premier League matches.
Cody Gakpo will keep his spot on the left-wing, the Dutchman had seven touches in the opposition box, two passes into the final third and nearly set up Darwin Nunez with a header across the box.
Nunez will get the nod over Diaz upfront, the Uruguayan forward was disappointing in the draw at St James’ Park, where he had the fewest touches of any Reds starter with just 25.
The 25-year-old missed two big chances, had just three touches in the opposition box and had zero successful dribbles however he should get chance to redeem himself in Spain.
In other Liverpool news, one youth star could force his way into Slot’s first-team plans after impressing on loan.
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