Liverpool line-ups as Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa decisions made vs Wolves
Liverpool will look to extend their impressive Premier League record this season when they travel to bottom club Wolves on Saturday tea-time. And Arne Slot will have some tough decisions to make when he names his starting line-up for the clash against Gary O'Neil's side.
Indeed, the Reds boss is likely to have Alisson Becker available again after a hamstring worry after Caoimhin Kelleher played the past two matches in the Brazilian's absence, with Harvey Elliott the only senior player injured as things stand.
Slot has plenty to ponder in attack after impressive recent contributions from Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and summer signing Federico Chiesa, who made his first start for the club in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham.
READ MORE: 'One thing I noticed' - Arne Slot on Liverpool title hopes as Premier League spending point made
Paul Gorst
After nine changes for Wednesday night's win over West Ham United, I am expecting a similar raft of alterations as Premier League action returns.
The big questions for me are in two areas. Does Cody Gakpo get the nod after his blistering performance and two goals? Or does Arne Slot keep faith with Luis Diaz, who is currently top scorer with five this term? Both have given the head coach loads of food for thought of late.
Gakpo was superb against AC Milan recently too on his only other start also, so Slot has a real selection dilemma on his hands there and I'd also like to see Curtis Jones given a run-out in the No.10 position where he can utilise his creative talents and ball-carrying skills to better use than in a deeper midfield position.
The Academy graduate claimed a sublime nutmeg assist for Diogo Jota on Wednesday and I would like to see how he fares from the start in the more advanced position, even if it means dropping Dominik Szoboszlai to the bench for this one.
Mohamed Salah returns alongside a brand new back five and another area for Slot to wrestle with is either Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota. For me, the latter gets the nod, just.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Jones, Salah, Diaz; Jota.
Ian Doyle
Back to the Premier League this weekend. And, after rotation in the League Cup, it's a return to what are becoming the tried and trusted under Arne Slot.
That means Alisson Becker in goal after missing two games through injury, with captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate the centre-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back and Andy Robertson left-back.
There is a call for Curtis Jones to be included in midfield but he might have to wait until midweek. So Dominik Szoboszlai is the number 10, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister the two deeper players in the engine room.
Up top, Diogo Jota's two goals against West Ham United mean he can keep his starting place but back down the middle, with Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo a bit unlucky to miss out on the left to Luis Diaz.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Joe Rimmer
Liverpool's luck with injuries continues for the time being and it makes Arne Slot's job tough with all those competing for places.
But if we're honest, this team really does pick itself. I think there's now a clear pecking order that has been formed at Anfield.
With Alisson back, the defensive unit includes Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. The midfield trio remains Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and then things get interesting.
Cody Gakpo couldn't really do much more to start a match, and Darwin Nunez has put in a couple of good performances.. But Luis Diaz's fine form and Diogo Jota's eye for goal means that the Colombian remains an automatic starter and the Portuguese should get the nod against his former club.
Liverpool then have a quite fearsome bench should changes need to be made.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz; Jota.
Beth Lindop
Liverpool's second string proved they are more than capable of getting results with that 5-1 rout of West Ham United on Wednesday night however I would expect Arne Slot to revert to what he regards as his strongest XI at Molineux this weekend.
That means a recall for Alisson Becker, who is fit again after his hamstring injury. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk also return at the back alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch will surely be handed another chance to impress in his new, deep-lying role while Dominik Szobozslai and Alexis Mac Allister both come back in. Up front is probably where Slot will have his biggest headache, with all of Liverpool’s forwards - bar Federico Chiesa, who is still building up his fitness - able to make a compelling argument for starting them against Wolves.
Cody Gakpo has been immense in his two starts for the club this season but the electric Luis Diaz just pips him to the left-wing spot, while Mohamed Salah returns on the right. Diogo Jota would be unlucky to miss out after his well-taken brace in midweek but I’d like to see Darwin Nunez given another run out following his promising display against Bournemouth.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz; Nunez.