Liverpool return to action on Monday for the start of their FA Cup journey, with Barnsley the visitors to Anfield for a third-round clash.
A run of 10 games undefeated has included plenty of highs and a few too many lows for Arne Slot’s side, who are massive favourites to beat a side struggling towards the wrong end of the League One standings.
The chance to rotate should be taken gleefully by manager Arne Slot, but injury issues leave Liverpool without too many concrete options and the boss may have to get creative here.
Here’s how Liverpool could set up for this one.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Barnsley (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Opportunities are going to be rare for Mamardashvili this season as Alisson’s deputy, and so he will be determined to take this one.
RB: Calvin Ramsay—The loss of Conor Bradley to a serious knee injury further limits Liverpool’s options at right back. Ramsay should be drafted in and may have a real role to play for the remainder of the season.
CB: Joe Gomez—Resting both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will be a priority for Slot, who should turn to Gomez from the start here.
CB: Andy Robertson—Recreating the partnership from the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, the experienced Robertson may be needed in a central role.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Slot would ideally like to rest Kerkez as well but a lack of alternatives may see the Hungarian start, although don’t be surprised to see him withdrawn early on if things are going well.
DM: Trey Nyoni—Reports state Liverpool have knocked back plenty of loan interest in young Nyoni, who will be needed for fixtures like this over the remainder of the season.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Another who would be rested in an ideal world, Mac Allister is likely to start because of the injury to Wataru Endo. He will not complete 90 minutes unless absolutely necessary.
RM: Jeremie Frimpong—With Mohamed Salah still away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot will have to keep turning to Frimpong, who will expect to be given plenty of chances to impress in attack here against lesser opposition.
AM: Curtis Jones—Jones has been a regular in recent weeks, plugging gaps all across Slot’s midfield. After being rested against Arsenal, he could make his return.
LM: Rio Ngumoha—Liverpool fans will be desperate for another run-out for Ngumoha. The 17-year-old has been starved of opportunities so far this season but has been the usual starter in cup competitions.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Barnsley: Injury Woes at Both Ends of the Pitch.
