'Slot will choose': Merson predicts who will start for Liverpool against Brighton - Gakpo or Ngumoha
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Rio Ngumoha is not going to start for Liverpool in their Premier League meeting against Brighton and Hove Albion for one key reason, thinks Paul Merson.The 17-year-old created three chances in midweek against Galatasaray despite playing less than 10 minutes of normal time.He has created the joint-most chances of a Liverpool player in the Premier League this term as well (7), but Merson still thinks Arne Slot will go with experience over youth in this Saturday’s clash. Discuss: Arne Slot could win Liverpool fans back if he keeps showing passion on the touchline There was much more energy vs Galatasaray, could that change things?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine Arne Slot to choose experience over Rio Ngumoha vs BrightonLiverpool really need to secure three points on Saturday if they are to gain some ground in the Champions League race.And with the international break nearly upon us, Merson, writing for Sportskeeda, has suggested Slot will leave Ngumoha on the bench and pick other first-team players like Cody Gakpo.He stated: “If Salah is unavailable to face Brighton, I think Slot will choose Cody Gakpo. So I don’t expect Rio Ngumoha to get another chance in the starting line-up.
This is a big weekend in the race for top five as well, so I believe Slot will choose experience over youth.“Even though Liverpool could win this game, I’m going for a draw, which is a bad result for the Reds.” Which exciting Liverpool youngster will have the brightest future at Anfield? Credit: George Wood/Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images Cody Gakpo makes Liverpool teammates worseRegardless of whether or not Mohamed Salah is fit to start after asking to come off in midweek, Cody Gakpo should not be brought back into the team.The Dutchman is a regular feature under Slot, yet it has become clear that the frontline is hampered by his involvement.During the few games he has not started this term, most of which came when he was injured, Liverpool’s forward line looks much more dangerous and is able to work as a cohesive unit, as we saw against Galatasaray.In an ideal world, he would be kept on the bench versus Brighton, with Florian Wirtz, Salah and Ngumoha fighting to start in the two wide areas.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox