Slot to drop Mac Allister, three changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Tottenham
Arne Slot is expected to make three changes to his Liverpool starting line-up when they host Tottenham in the EFL Cup on Thursday.
The Reds can afford to field a strong team at Anfield (6 February) to try to overturn the 1-0 semi-final first-leg deficit due to the fact they face Championship outfit Plymouth in the FA Cup on 9 February.
However, Alexis Mac Allister is predicted to be dropped after a poor performance in the 2-0 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday (1 February).
Slot confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up an injury during that contest and is likely to miss the Spurs clash as a precaution.
Liverpool to make three changes against Tottenham
Alisson Becker is expected to keep his place between the sticks after he made four saves and six recoveries in the win on the south coast. [Fotmob]
Conor Bradley is predicted to start at right-back with Alexander-Arnold seemingly out of the clash, the Northern Irishman made two defensive actions and won the only aerial duel he contested for a 100 per cent success rate after he replaced the England star.
Ibrahima Konate is set to retain his place in the starting line-up, the Frenchman made six clearances and won three out of the four aerial duels that he attempted for a 75 per cent success rate against Andoni Iraola’s side.
Virgil van Dijk is expected to captain the Reds, he made six recoveries and four clearances against the Cherries.
Andy Robertson will keep his spot, the Scottish international made four passes into the final third and won two of the three ground duels that he contested for a 67 per cent success rate.
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to continue at the base of midfield against the Lilywhites, he recorded a 93 per cent pass completion and the most tackles in the clash at the Vitality Stadium with four.
Mac Allister might be dropped after he only won one of five ground duels for a 20 per cent success rate and was lucky to not be sent off.
He is predicted to be replaced by Curtis Jones who recorded an assist, a 94 per cent pass completion and won all three ground duels that he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to complete the midfield, the Hungarian created the most chances on Saturday with three and had seven touches in the opposition box.
Luiz Diaz set to be dropped at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is predicted to keep his place on the right wing after he scored a stunning second goal after breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot and had 11 touches in the Bournemouth box.
Luis Diaz is expected to be dropped after he failed to impress again in the number nine role on the south coast, the Colombian recorded just one shot on target and created one chance.
He might be replaced by Darwin Nunez against Ange Postecoglou’s side, with the Uruguayan predicted to get the nod due to recent injury issues in the squad.
Cody Gakpo is expected to continue on the left flank, he completed two passes into the final third and won three of four ground duels for a 75 per cent success rate against the Cherries.
If Slot’s side can find their way past the Lilywhites and secure a berth for the first final in the Dutchman’s reign at the first opportunity, they could set a marker for the rest of the season.
Given the next fixture is against second-tier opposition, there is every chance that they can with a near full-strength team at his disposal.
In other Liverpool news, a player wanted by Slot made a move to a new club on deadline day.
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