Liverpool are finally back in Premier League action on Sunday as they take on Arsenal at Anfield.
In another dimension this match is a title-decider, with both teams badly needing to take all three points.
In this realm, though, neither Liverpool nor Arsenal will be really keen to play this match.
The Reds have already won the league, while the Gunners’ season ended on Wednesday with defeat in the Champions League semi-final against PSG.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of intriguing storylines surrounding Sunday’s fixture. Chief among these is what will happen with Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back declared his intention to leave Liverpool on Monday.
With Liverpool fans furious at Alexander-Arnold, there has been a debate raging over whether he should play in the Reds’ final three fixtures. Speaking to the press on Friday, Arne Slot said he’s already made that decision.
Conor Bradley to start against Arsenal
The timing of Alexander-Arnold’s announcement has been hotly argued about by Liverpool supporters all week.
Given the title is already wrapped up, some think it was a good point to announce his exit. Others feel it was done purely to set the stage for Real Madrid to try and sign Alexander-Arnold for the Club World Cup.
Whatever the reasons, Slot is the one who has to contend with the fallout. And according to the Liverpool head coach, it is Conor Bradley, not Alexander-Arnold, who will start against Arsenal.
“Team selection is as it’s been last weekend, the same process goes through my mind for the Sunday game,” said Slot.
“If Conor would have been available for Chelsea he would have started already, but he wasn’t. But there’s a fair chance he will start on Sunday.”
“I’ve already said Conor will start,” Slot said later in the press conference. “He needs playing time to get some games under his belt to be better prepared for next season.”
Is this the right decision?
There is no way in which any Liverpool fan can be upset with Slot’s decision here. The Dutchman absolutely has to play Bradley if he is ready.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 35 | 25 | 7 | 3 | 81 | 35 | 46 | 82 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 35 | 18 | 13 | 4 | 64 | 31 | 33 | 67 |
| 3 |  Man CityManchester City | 35 | 19 | 7 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 64 |
| 4 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 35 | 19 | 6 | 10 | 66 | 45 | 21 | 63 |
Alexander-Arnold is the better right-back, that is absolutely clear. But the Scouser is no longer a Liverpool player essentially.
With nothing on the line there is no reason to play Alexander-Arnold, especially when – as Slot says – Bradley is in need of game time ahead of next season.
Given his fitness has been patchy of late, though, it would not be a big surprise if Alexander-Arnold comes off the bench at some stage.
Should he emerge onto the pitch at Anfield, the reception he is afforded will be fascinating. It surely will not be a good one.
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