Liverpool secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League, with Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenbirch finding the back of the net against Unai Emery’s side. Despite their poor form this season, Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have been in great form at Anfield. Grafenberg and Dominik Szoboschlei also gave great performances.
However, Arne Slott now faces the task of preparing his team for the upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City. Three of these important matches are scheduled to be played in quick succession in just nine days. This makes the team selection for Tuesday’s high-profile match against Real Madrid even more intriguing. Ideally, the same teams that performed well over the weekend would maintain their positions, but that seems unlikely.
With Alisson Becker not expected to return before the international break, Giorgi Mamadashvili will have another chance to impress. However, decisions need to be made on defense.
Andy Robertson impressed at left-back on Saturday, but we cannot rule out the possibility that Milos Kerkes could be substituted three days later. It is highly unlikely that Robertson will play three full 90-minute matches.
On the other wing, Conor Bradley’s fitness will need to be closely monitored. With Jeremy Frimpong currently sidelined, Liverpool will be careful not to put too much stress on the Northern Irishman, who has already missed games this season.
Ibrahima Konate showed his ability to play consistently three times a week last season, and he showed even more confidence and dependability against Aston Villa. Virgil van Dijk, on the other hand, is safe and ready for the next game.
In midfield, another difficult decision will have to be made. The trio of Grabenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai performed well at Anfield in the Premier League, so it might be wise to keep them together.
Slott admitted Grabenwerch should be fit to play again despite having just returned from injury, but it is unclear how summer signing Florian Wirths will fit into the team after being on the bench against Aston Villa.
Wirtz is the most attacking option Liverpool can deploy in the number 10 role. Szoboszlai is currently performing at a higher level despite his pressing duties.
The German could play on the left wing and could start in place of Kodi Gakpo. However, he may be re-evaluated ahead of his move to Manchester City and could be considered as a replacement.
Salah will undoubtedly be used on the right wing after his goal-scoring performance. Hugo Ekitike should also keep his place, although his goal was disallowed for a slight offside.
At this time, the timing of Alexander Isak’s return has not been determined. Liverpool are scheduled to train from 12:15pm UK time on Monday, with Slott expected to provide an injury update at a press conference at 3:30pm UK time.
