Slot to rest Salah, eight changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Accrington Stanley
Arne Slot is expected to make eight changes to his starting line-up when Liverpool host Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
The Reds will be looking to get back to winning ways in the FA Cup third round after a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League (5 January) and the 1-0 EFL Cup loss to Tottenham (8 January).
Mohamed Salah is predicted to be given the day off along with several other stars, such as Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson. [James Pearce]
Joe Gomez is ruled out through injury and several academy talents might feature against the League Two outfit.
Liverpool to make eight changes v Accrington
Alisson is expected to be rested for the contest with Caoimhin Kelleher replacing him between the sticks.
Conor Bradley is predicted to keep his starting berth at right-back over Alexander-Arnold.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 78 per cent pass accuracy, made three passes into the final third, five recoveries, one interception and won five out of the 11 ground duels that he contested against Spurs (Fotmob).
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are expected to also be rested but Jarell Quansah went off with illness against Ange Postecoglou’s side, so Wataru Endo might be partnered by debutant Amaro Nallo.
The Japan international impressed after replacing Quansah at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, recording a 94 per cent pass accuracy, making three recoveries and winning two of three aerial duels that he contested for a 67 per cent success rate.
Kostas Tsimikas is expected to continue on the left, he created the most chances in the match on Wednesday for either side with three, won two of the three tackles that he attempted for a 67 per cent success rate and made seven recoveries.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister might be replaced at the base of midfield by Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni.
The former missed the Spurs clash after rolling his ankle but is predicted to get the chance to add to his 162 first-team minutes so far this season.
Nyoni, on the other hand, impressed in his full debut in the previous round of the EFL Cup against Southampton and might get another chance to shine on Saturday.
In front of them, Dominic Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones will likely not be risked so Harvey Elliott is expected to feature, he has struggled for game time this season, making just nine appearances for a total of 147 minutes.
Salah to miss Accrington clash
Salah has scored 21 goals and assisted 17 in 28 appearances in all competitions so far this season but is expected to be rested with Federico Chiesa replacing him.
The Italian has featured just four times since his summer move from Juventus for a total of just 123 minutes and he must get more game time in the second half of the season to ease the burden on the Egyptian.
Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have combined for 31 goal contributions but are predicted to miss out on the FA Cup clash with Jayden Danns and Diogo Jota coming into the starting line-up.
The Reds need to regain momentum after two negative results with a trip to in-form Nottingham Forest in the league after the Accrington clash.
Slot will be hoping that a rest for his major stars does not come back to haunt him with an embarrassing cup exit and can drive his side on in their title charge.
In other Liverpool news, Kaveh Solhekol has reacted to ‘jaw-dropping’ takeover news that emerged about the Reds.
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