'The question now': BBC pundit makes early prediction over whether Rio Ngumoha will start vs PSG
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock says Rio Ngumoha has ‘earned the right to play’ in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain.The 17-year-old was brilliant on Saturday against Fulham, curling in the game’s opening goal in sensational fashion.Having been the difference-maker in a Liverpool team still looking slightly short of confidence, Warnock says Ngumoha should absolutely play on Tuesday if the choice is between the youngster and Cody Gakpo. Are Liverpool in danger of blocking Rio’s pathway with a new signing this summer?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andy Buchanan/AFP Slot backed to start Ngumoha over GakpoWith Liverpool needing two goals against PSG, there will now be a predictable clamour for Ngumoha to start consecutive matches for the first time in his career.He has certainly given Arne Slot a decision to make, and speaking to BBC Sport in the wake of Liverpool’s 2-0 win on Saturday, Warnock suggests he thinks Ngumoha should start.“I think you’ve got to be careful with him. You’ve got to drip feed him in as and when you can,” said the former full-back.“However the one thing I would say is that his performances are better than Cody Gakpo’s at the moment, so Liverpool fans are looking at that and thinking: ‘he should be playing’.”Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham as Rio Ngumoha digs Arne Slot out of a hole“The question now is who starts in the forward positions on Tuesday, particularly that left hand side?
“Will it be Ngumoha to start and then Gakpo comes on at a later point because he’s earned his right to play today.”Analysis: Slot unlikely to go with neither Ngumoha or GakpoWhile most supporters would agree that Ngumoha currently deserves to start ahead of Gakpo, it feels more likely that Slot will ignore both on Tuesday.Instead, he will most likely shift Florian Wirtz to the left side and bring Hugo Ekitike back through the middle. We think we might know the winner 😁 Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images Ekitike looked like he needed a rest in midweek, and having been handed it on Saturday, he should hopefully be a little sharper to go again.The calls for Ngumoha to start are understandable, but Slot will likely be cautious of overplaying the teenager, and will also know that it may be asking a lot of him to face arguably the best side in the world right now.Instead, it may be a better decision to keep Ngumoha back as an impact sub who can help Liverpool as PSG legs begin to tire.If Slot does choose to spring a surprise and start his No.