Slot to drop Alexander-Arnold, six changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Tottenham
Arne Slot is expected to make six changes to his starting line-up when Liverpool travel to Tottenham on Wednesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be axed for the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg clash after a horror show performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United (5 January) which led to criticism from Roy Keane.
Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference (7 January) that Joe Gomez will miss the contest and that he does not expect Dominik Szoboszlai to be available to start.
The clash is a chance for the Reds to put one foot in the EFL Cup final in Slot’s first season in charge of the club.
Liverpool to make six changes for Tottenham clash
Alisson is expected to be rested in between the sticks with Caoimhin Kelleher replacing the Brazilian in North London.
Conor Bradley might get the nod over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back with many observers believing that the latter was distracted by interest from Real Madrid in the United draw.
The 26-year-old completed just 75 per cent of his passes and won zero ground duels of the five that he contested against Ruben Amorim’s side for a zero per cent success rate. [Fotmob]
Meanwhile, Bradley won all three of the ground duels that he contested for a 100 per cent success rate in a four-minute cameo on his return from injury.
Ibrahima Konate is predicted to sit out after shining in his return from injury against the Red Devils, he won six out of seven aerial battles for an 86 per cent success rate and the only ground duel he contested for a 100 per cent success rate but might be rested for Jarell Quansah.
Virgil van Dijk is expected to start because Slot only has three senior centre-back options available right now with Gomez out, the Dutchman made five clearances, four recoveries, and two interceptions but lost both aerial duels he attempted against United.
Kostas Tsimikas might replace Andy Robertson against Ange Postecoglou’s side after the Scottish international won just one of three ground duels on Sunday for a 33 per cent success rate.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to keep their places at the base of the Reds midfield.
The Dutchman recorded an 86 per cent pass accuracy against the Red Devils, created two chances and made three clearances and five recoveries.
The Argentine notched an assist, recorded an 84 per cent pass accuracy, created two chances and made six recoveries in the United clash.
Harvey Elliott might replace Curtis Jones after the latter’s poor display against the Old Trafford side, the 23-year-old did record a pass accuracy of 90 per cent but did not create a single chance, did not attempt a tackle and recorded one interception and one recovery.
Mohamed Salah starts again for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is predicted to continue on the right wing, the Egyptian scored from the penalty spot to take his overall contributions in the Premier League to 31 in 19 matches and his backup Federico Chiesa has failed to impress so far since his summer move.
Diogo Jota might replace Luis Diaz upfront, the Colombian struggled when leading the line against Amorim’s side, recording an 83 per cent pass accuracy, creating one chance, taking just one shot and just three touches in the opposition box.
Finally, Cody Gakpo is expected to continue on the left, he scored to notch his 12th goal contribution in 15 matches, had five touches in the opposition box and even won three out of six ground duels that he contested.
If the Reds can secure victory against Spurs, they will be in a favourable position to reach the first possible cup final in their head coach’s first season in charge.
In other Liverpool news, Mohamed Salah has clapped back at Jamie Carragher after comments made on Sky Sports.
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