Let’s hope we make it through the international break with no injuries and the players come back ready to go. If possible, I would make zero changes to the team that faced Manchester United.
Nunez wasn’t allowed to go because he’s suspended, but good point about the others. Mac Allister had some rough games following international duty last season. Maybe Gakpo and Jones to start, and Diaz and Mac Allister for Milan in midweek.
Good time to manage some minutes with midweek in mind, especially the South Americans that'll be flying back in late. Ali Trent Quansah Virgil Robbo Endo Grav Szobo Salah Nunez Chiesa Going for another 2-0 win.
At some point Slot will have to put a team out that's not his first choice 11. Managing the minutes of that group is important, but keeping the others sharp, and integrated with the starters will be key as well. While you don't want to fall into the trap of taking any opposition lightly, pragmatism dictates that certain fixtures be deemed safer than others to put out a less than "best side". This is likely one of those. Chiesa probably needs more time to train with his teammates before we see him, but Nunez may be in line for a start. We can't play without all who played in the internationals, but maybe it's a chance to give Cody a start. Maybe Harvey too, assuming his knock doesn't rule him out. I'm just glad that none of our lot is coming back with a long term injury. EDIT: (Knocks wood)
Diaz played the 90, Mac played 25-30mins. End of internationals, believe everyone bar Harvey (who's out for 6-7 weeks) is returning safe and sound. Also, what is up with Brazil lately?
When Dom needs a rest or picks up a knock Elliott would be his cover but with Harvey out for a while with his foot injury who fills in now? First that came to mind was Mac who can play the 10 but then we'll need to reshuffle the along side Grav too if Mac pushes up. Carvalho or Clark would have worked too but they're gone. Then there's Chiesa , perhaps this is a role he can step in and do a job for us.
my guess is it'll be Jones - Chiesa. one starts, one subs in. assuming Jones is healthy of course. all our mids played a ton of minutes in the past week or so. they will likely need to be rotated vs Forest, can't see any of them going 90 given the Milan game coming up fast. maybe Morton will get late mins to rest Grav? getting to be a bit of a Rubik's cube challenge.
Please not Jones. Anyone but Jones. Nyoni deserves a go if not Endo, both played better in pre-season and both have form coming off the back of wins with their countries.
I reckon he starts. MaCallister then rests out from the trip and enters to rest Gravenberch for the last 25-30 mins So, Jones, gravenberch, Sbozaslai
Why are we down on Jones? He can’t stay fit, but when he’s on the pitch he’s an outstanding player. For the last two seasons the team was always better with Jones in it. He’s the most natural replacement if Mac Allister doesn’t start.
He's been out injured hasn't played much of late so I'd rather see him introduced later in a game and eased back in . Endo and Morton have been training right thru the preseason .
the challenge is that each of Grav, Dom and Endo played all 90 of the their games, and Mac got a knock. so each of them will need minutes managed on Sat. I can't see any of them going the whole game (Milan!) so Jones, Morton, Endo and maybe Trey will almost certainly be called on.
Well because how many chances does this guy need? Any other manager and he’d have been moved on years ago, he’s simply not Liverpool standard.