Starting XI Prediction as Champions League Nights Return to Anfield

Champions League nights are finally back at Anfield, but this time it will no longer be Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout. Instead, Arne Slot will be getting his first taste of European action at Anfield against Bologna, after a very impressive start to life on Merseyside.

The Dutchman led his side to an emphatic 3-1 away victory over AC Milan at the San Siro in the first league phase clash and will be looking for an even better performance this time around. With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted starting eleven for this one…

Another Chance for Quansah?

Starting off with the defence, Alisson Becker is in line to remain in between the sticks for this one after returning in Liverpool’s 2-1 away victory over Wolves at the weekend. Ahead of him, Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain at right-back but Kostas Tsimikas will replace Andy Robertson who picked up a knock in that same victory.

Virgil Van Dijk will of course captain the side from the heart of the defence but will this time be partnered by Jarell Quansah, whilst Ibou Konate gets a well-deserved rest in this one. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley will both remain on the bench, but will be eyeing some minutes nevertheless.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas

Slot’s Midfield Decision

Slot faces a considerable decision in the middle of the park, with Curtis Jones surely in line for a start as he looks to return to full match fitness and sharpness. Therefore, I think Jones will partner Ryan Gravenberch at the base of the midfield, who was rested in the Reds’ victory over West Ham United last week. Alexis Mac Allister will drop to the bench for this one and hopefully will be well rested for the Crystal Palace clash at the weekend.

Ahead of them, Dominik Szoboszlai will remain as the most advanced midfielder despite some of the bizarre criticism that has headed his way since the weekend’s victory. The likes of Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton will provide some more depth from the bench.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Injury Struggles Up-Front

Liverpool are faced with a couple of injury concerns in their front-line going into the clash against Bologna. New signing Federico Chiesa has already been ruled out through injury and will likely be sidelined until after the international break. Diogo Jota has also missed two training sessions this week after having a scan on a minor foot injury, so is therefore unlikely to be risked in this one.

Therefore, Mohamed Salah will of course start on the right side with Darwin Nunez coming into the side as the central option. That leaves the final spot between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo and I believe it could be the latter that gets the nod for this one.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Bench: Kelleher, Jaros, Konate, Gomez, Bradley, Robertson, Endo, Morton, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Jota, Diaz