Slot changes formation again as 'intelligent' youngster handed the keys: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Fulham
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As they prepare for another crunch game, here’s the Liverpool XI we think will play, with a surprise start for Trey Nyoni. It surely won't be Gomez or Frimpong 😬 Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Fulham DefenceSlot confirmed on Friday that Alisson Becker definitely won’t be ready to take his place back in the Liverpool goal, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will get the chance to build on a good display in Paris.In front of him there are likely to be a couple of changes, although it is hard to see how Slot can hand a rest to either Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk.Right-back is a tricky one to call after Slot threw doubt upon the inclusion of Joe Gomez or Jeremie Frimpong during Friday’s press conference.
That would likely make Dominik Szoboszlai the most probable candidateAt left-back it seems likely that Slot will give Andy Robertson a first start since the announcement that he will leave the club this summer.Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Arne Slot suggests how long Alexander Isak will play for Liverpool against Fulham after ‘really nice’ newsMidfieldWith so many big games coming one after another, Slot would likely wish to have more options to rotate between.However, with few to choose from in midfield, we think the Dutchman could hand a first Premier League start to Nyoni.The 18-year-old played a small part in Wednesday’s game, and that could have been preparation for a bigger role on Saturday. As U21s boss Rob Page recently said, Nyoni is an ‘intelligent’ midfielder who looks ready to make a step up.Meanwhile, with Szoboszlai at right-back, we think Slot will swap Alexis Mac Allister for Curtis Jones and keep Ryan Gravenberch in place.
Bringing the pair in should lead to a change away from the 3-5-2 seen in Paris.Hugo Ekitike looks like he could do with a rest, but with Alexander Isak not yet ready to start, he will likely play again before being withdrawn.This is still a strong Liverpool team, but Slot will hope that that little bit of switching things up can get them over the line while still keeping them fresh for Tuesday. Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Fulham: Mamardashvili, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Nyoni, Salah, Ekitike, GakpoJoin Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox