I was expecting a lot of rotation for this game, but that was before the Everton game was called off. Almost impossible to predict a lineup. I’d like to see starts for Endo and Elliott. Hopefully a Chiesa sighting of some sort. Maybe use this as an opportunity for an extended rest for Gravenberch. Mac Allister is getting an enforced rest, because he’s suspended for this one and Fulham at the weekend. Girona are owned by Manchester City, had a phenomenal season last year, but are finding it much harder this season. It’s important to keep in mind that Liverpool coming to town will be one of the biggest occasions in their history and they will be up for it.
Yeah, I get the impression that Girona are kinda Newcastle or Villa. Qualify for the CL and then unable to handle 2 top class games a week.
overall I agree, hard to pick the full team. getting the 3 points gives us some non-trivial advantages later in the comp in terms of seeding and home advantage so I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a pretty "normal" starting 11 in the hope of getting 5 subs on asap. Endo for Mac jumps off the page. Harvey, Morton (maybe Chiesa too) are almost certain to get minutes. both Robbo and Virgil will get subbed off as soon as practical. the forward line and midfield can be dealt with. the backline is the real challenge - we have no choice that I can see but to start Q, Joe, Virg and Robbo. managing to get Virg and Robbo some rest will be a challenge unless Arne gets creative somehow. maybe (18 yo) Trey and (18 yo) Nallo will come in? maybe we'll see Endo (played FB prior team) and Jones (played RB for us in the PL once and did well IIRC) drop back late on? bit of a puzzler.
There is always a set of 1245 games for the champions league. We just happen to fall into that mix this week probably gotta do something with TV.
On a non-Liverpool related note, I can see Real being in some serious difficulty after this round of games. They play Atalanta away on Tuesday.
While it may have been hoped that he would then join the Liverpool squad in Girona on Tuesday night, he is no longer expected to travel. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2024/...not-in-liverpool-training-before-girona-trip/
hahahahahahaha edit: seems he won't be available for the Soton game either. thank Christ the derby was postponed,
I think he just started back in the last couple of days, so dunno if he'd be risked tbh. I still haven't recovered from the last time we played him in a lesser CL game and he was out for ages afterward.
in the lineup speculation I forgot about Mo I expect he will get minutes but it'd be great if they can be extremely limited. Danns has been training recently but a young lad coming off a bad back injury needs to be handled very very cautiously. (dunno if he's eligible though tbh)
The more I think about it the more I’m convinced this will be the first choice eleven. It will have been nearly a week since the last game. Tuesday to Saturday is not a bad gap until Fulham and keeps the players in a good rhythm that they are used to. The following Wednesday is a league cup match in which I think all eleven starters will be rested. Maybe Robbo gets a rest. Kelleher Trent Quansah Virgil Gomez Gravenberch Jones Salah Szobo Diaz Nunez
I hope this turns out to be totally wrong, but Chiesa is starting to remind of Arthur Melo. Signed from Juventus. At one point was a world class player. Had some injury issues and Juve were happy to get rid. Last minute bargain signing. Turned up at Liverpool and was never seen again.
That's what I refer to him as when talking to my sons, the new Melo. Obviously, hope that his time with the Reds turns out much differently, but the starts are eerily similar.
Arne Slot: “Everybody is really fit, no reason to rotate from the next match. We will start with a very good line-up tomorrow.” Game comes too soon for Jota, who misses the trip along with Chiesa, Morton, Konate, Bradley and Tsimikas. Mac Allister suspended. edit: Ali is available.
at least Chiesa was close to a WC player ... once upkn a time when the Princess Buttercup was young- I don't think Melo ever was likely to be considered World Class
bradley is the one I would like to see back soon. having him and Konate out at the same time is problematic IMO...