Arne Slot’s decision to start the Liverpool academy players against Crystal Palace on Wednesday could end up making him look like a genius.
When the Reds’ line-up was first announced, fans were left baffled by Slot’s selection, with many wondering why the Dutchman would want to throw away the chance of winning a trophy.
That is, especially as they’ve now lost six out of their last seven games.
Rotation is obviously key for any team, but the fact that almost half of Liverpool’s starting XI were academy players was a bold choice to say the least.
However, if the Anfield outfit now manages to win all three or at least two of their next few games due to the rest that their senior players have had, Slot could end up looking like a genius.
Liverpool need to bring their A-game against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City
Now that Liverpool don’t have the Carabao Cup to think about due to their 3-0 defeat, it’s clear that the majority of their focus is going to be towards the Premier League and the Champions League.
Going into the 2025-26 season, many expected Liverpool to steamroll their way through each competition, but unfortunately, that isn’t how things have panned out.
Their next three games against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are all going to be key to how the rest of their campaign will pan out.
Not only are Real and City among the best teams in the world, but Unai Emery’s men have also got themselves into a decent run of form.
If Liverpool lose to the Villans and City over the next week or so, they may as well kiss their Premier League title hopes goodbye.
However, since most of their strongest starting XI were rested on Wednesday, they should be in decent shape to put up a fight for the win.
Liverpool must beat Aston Villa at all costs on Saturday
If Slot’s decision to throw away Liverpool’s chances of winning the Carabao Cup is to be justified, players such as Mohamed Salah and even Ibrahima Konate must be at their best.
Of course, with all the changes that Liverpool have endured this term, a transitional period was expected.
However, now that we’re a few months into the season and the Merseyside outfit are no better off than they were at the start of the campaign, it’s a massive cause for concern.
Most of Slot’s first-team squad have been way off the pace this term, and with Liverpool’s next game against Villa a must-win, things need to change soon.
Because if they do end up losing, that could end their title hopes altogether.
However, if they end up winning and beating two of their upcoming opponents by a decent margin, Slot’s decision to start Liverpool’s academy players against Palace could make him look like a genius.
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