Slot to ‘hand out shock starts’ after new update – Liverpool predicted XI v PSV
Arne Slot is expected to hand senior debuts to two Liverpool youngsters in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
The Reds come into the contest on 29 January knowing that a place in the round of 16 is secured and need just one point to hold on to top spot.
As a result, the Dutchman has left nine first-team players on Merseyside including Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Academy starlets Amara Nallo and Trent Kone-Doherty could now be given a chance to impress against the Dutch outfit.
Liverpool to make nine changes against PSV
With Alisson not travelling to Eindhoven, Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to start between the sticks.
Conor Bradley is predicted to get the nod at right-back, he recorded a 91 per cent pass accuracy in his last appearance against Lille (21 January) and won both of the two tackles he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate. [Fotmob]
Jarell Quansah is expected to return to the starting line-up, he was an unused substitute in the 4-1 win over Ipswich on Saturday (25 January) but completed the most passes in the clash with the French side (99) and made five recoveries.
Amara Nallo might make his senior debut alongside Quansah with Andy Robertson adding some experience to the backline, the Scottish international made 17 passes into the final third and five recoveries against the Tractor Boys.
Wataru Endo is expected to start at the base of the engine room with Gravenberch left on Merseyside, he featured for 22 minutes off the bench against Kieran McKenna’s side and was accurate with 100 per cent of his passes.
Trey Nyoni is predicted to get the nod next to the Japan international, he was handed his first start for the Anfield outfit in the 2-1 EFL Cup quarter-final win over Southampton, recording a 93 per cent pass completion and making four recoveries in an impressive display.
Harvey Elliott has not featured as much as he would have liked this campaign but may start against the Dutch side, in a 45-minute cameo against Lille, he recorded an 86 per cent pass accuracy, scored the winning goal and made five defensive actions.
Federico Chiesa was handed a four-minute cameo on Saturday but made a much bigger impact against Lille in a 15-minute appearance, where he recorded a 100 per cent pass completion and is predicted to get the nod on Wednesday with Salah left at home.
Cody Gakpo is predicted to start up front against his former club after his two-goal display against Ipswich where he also notched an assist.
On the left-hand side, Trent Kone-Doherty might be given the chance to show off his explosive pace and make his senior debut for the club.
Rio Ngumoha is not included in the squad due to UEFA regulations but James McConnell, Kieran Morrison, and James Norris could also be handed a chance to shine off the bench.
In other Liverpool news, supporters have called out Micah Richards for his comments on refereeing decisions.
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