Arne Slot has some big decisions to make as he prepares for his first Champions League game in charge of Liverpool.
The Reds have a unique relationship with Europe’s premier competition and there is an expectation on Slot to continue that tradition.
Liverpool’s history is full of special nights in the Champions League and European Cup and the new head coach is going to have to adjust to that.
It all begins with a trip to face another European heavyweight on Tuesday night; AC Milan lie in wait at San Siro. It is a special tie that evokes memories of Istanbul 2005 for Liverpool supporters.
After defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the pressure is on Slot a little to get a result. Here’s how we think the Dutchman will line his team up.
Defence
While last season’s Europa League campaign saw Caoimhin Kelleher take his place in the Liverpool goal, normal service should be resumed this season. Alisson Becker will start in net.
Although there may be calls for Slot to change something more radically after Saturday’s loss, we actually think the 46-year-old will keep the four in-front of Alisson the same for this one.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal at Anfield on Saturday was the first that Liverpool have conceded in four games so far. As a result, there’s no real need to change Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk or Andy Robertson.
Midfield
Saturday aside, Liverpool have also been very good in midfield so far this season. Slot’s midfield set-up has been deemed a ‘masterpiece‘ and one bad game does not change that.
Ryan Gravenberch has been brilliant in a slightly altered deeper role and should be given the chance to maintain that momentum in Milan.
READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals whether Federico Chiesa will play for Liverpool against AC Milan
Alongside him Alexis Mac Allister is still fundamental to everything Liverpool do and given the high-profile nature of Tuesday’s meeting will likely start again.
And just like the defence, we think Slot will keep it ‘as you were’ in the middle by sticking with Dominik Szoboszlai in a more advanced role.
Attack
While the defence and midfield could well stay the same, it seems more pressing for Slot to make changes in the forward line.
In Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, the head coach has two players who will be itching to get their chance having started every game from the bench so far.
Nunez has been called ‘fantastic’ by Ian Rush and with Diogo Jota going three games without a goal, deserves the opportunity to lead the line.
Gakpo should also come in to give Luis Diaz a bit of a rest, while we can’t see Mohamed Salah vacating his spot on the right for this one.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs AC Milan: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
