View: Jones rested as Slot makes three changes- Liverpool predicted XI v Fulham
Darwin Nunez is expected to be dropped from the starting XI when Liverpool host Fulham this weekend.
The Reds return to Premier League action after the 1-0 Champions League win over Girona, looking to maintain or increase their four-point lead at the summit.
Alexis Mac Allister is suspended for the contest and Slot is expected to be without Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota through injury.
The Dutchman is not expected to rotate his squad heavily due to a fear of losing rythym after six days off before the Girona win after last weekend’s Merseyside derby was called off due to Storm Darragh.
Alisson is expected to continue in goal after an outstanding return against the Spanish side.
The Brazilian made five saves, prevented a total of 0.68xG and recorded an 86 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just four of his 29 attempts. [Fotmob]
Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue at right-back, with the loss of quality that occurs when he does not play and the absence of a capable back-up in Bradley meaning that Slot cannot rest him.
The 26-year-old recorded an 84 per cent passing accuracy against Girona, making 12 passes into the final third and three recoveries.
Andy Robertson will start on the opposite side, the Scottish left-back was awarded the UEFA Man of the Match award for his performance in midweek.
He recorded a 93 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just seven of his 98 attempts, he created three chances, made 11 passes into the final third and won 100 per cent of the two tackles he made.
Liverpool centre-back conundrum
Captain Virgil van Dijk will start against Fulham, he recorded a 98 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just two of 98 attempts, he made 14 passes into the final third, four recoveries and three clearances.
Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah will partner the 33-year-old in Konate’s absence, the former started against the Spaniards but the latter should get the nod against the Londoners.
The 27-year-old recorded a 94 per cent pass accuracy against Girona, making 11 passes into the final third, seven recoveries, three clearances but won none of his two ground duels.
Quansah should start alongside Van Dijk to give Gomez a rest due to the former Charlton man’s injury history.
A surprising Liverpool midfield change?
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to continue at the heart of the Reds midfield, the 22-year-old has earned rave reviews this season and completely transformed his reputation.
He recorded a 95 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just three of his 57 attempts, made seven passes into the final third, two blocks, two interceptions and five recoveries in the win on Tuesday.
He will need a rest at some point with Wataru Endo ready to step in and do a job but should continue against Marco Silva’s side.
Dominik Szoboszlai should continue in Mac Allister’s absence as his work-rate and energy are key to the Reds’ success so far this season.
His performances often go under the radar due to a lack of goal contributions but he is vital, against Girona, he recorded an 88 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just five of his 40 attempts, created one chance, had five touches in the opposition box and made four recoveries.
Curtis Jones has been in fantastic form but should be rested for the Fulham contest.
Against Girona, the 23-year-old recorded a 93 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just four of his 54 attempts, created one chance, made two passes into the final third, made four recoveries and won three of his five ground duels for a 60 per cent success rate.
However, Harvey Elliott should get the nod over Jones after returning from injury in recent weeks.
Nunez dropped from front three
Mohamed Salah will start on the right, it was his penalty that secured the victory over Girona and that took his tally to 16 goals and 12 assists in 22 matches in all competitions.
On the left, Cody Gakpo will get the nod, he won his only ground duel and all three aerial duel rate for a 100 per cent success rate in 19 minutes substitute appearances and this industrious cameo is exactly why he should start.
Luis Diaz will complete the front three, playing as a number nine after Darwin Nunez’s recent struggles.
The Colombian recorded a 95 per cent pass accuracy, had nine touches in the opposition box and was fouled three times including for the penalty that won the Reds the match.
Meanwhile, the Uruguayan struggled once again, missing one big chance, having just 16 touches in the contest and seven touches in the opposition box.
In other Liverpool news, a Reds youth star could be set to force his way into Slot’s plans when he returns from loan next season.
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