Arne Slot faces awkward Alexander Isak decision as Liverpool consider Rio Ngumoha change
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool are next up against Everton in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posersLiverpool saw their Champions League hopes go the same way as all their other trophy aspirations this season when they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in their quarter-final second leg. Ousmane Dembele scored twice late on to earn the moneybags French side a 2-0 triumph and a 4-0 aggregate success.Arne Slot's side will now aim to ensure they return to the competition at the first opportunity when they make a first-ever trip to former neighbours Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.And here we look ahead to the changes Reds head coach Slot could make when his team are next in action.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
And with Liverpool having a full five days to the derby and now playing only one game a week, there's little need for rotation for the sake of it.That means Slot should be able to go with his strongest team throughout. Jeremie Frimpong started against PSG but had a poor first half and was replaced by Joe Gomez, who then went off as a precaution after feeling his groin with Dominik Szoboszlai finishing the game back in the position.
Conor Bradley is out for the season and Calvin Ramsay hasn't been involved in the senior squad of late.At left-back, Milos Kerkez did well enough to stay ahead of Andy Robertson but the experienced head of the latter may be required at Everton.And at centre-back, Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk remain the preferred pairing with Giovanni Leoni missing since September and Gomez, if fit, perhaps needed elsewhere.Mac Allister under threat?Slot went with a box midfield against PSG but has been more minded to stick with the usual 4-2-3-1 for domestic matches.Ryan Gravenberch did better in the second half in midweek and will be favourite to take one of the double pivot positions.However, usual partner Alexis Mac Allister could come under pressure for his starting role from Curtis Jones, who will also be up against Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz for the number 10 slot.Wataru Endo is out for the campaign while teenager Trey Nyoni continues to press hard for more minutes. Stefan Bajectic is missing but James McConnell was spotted back training at the AXA Training Centre this week.Isak questionWith Hugo Ekitike now among those to be missing for the final six Premier League games, much will depend on whether Alexander Isak is deemed ready enough for a second start inside a week having come through 45 minutes on Tuesday on his first appearance in the XI since December.If not, Cody Gakpo will be favourite to lead the line, with the Dutchman also competing for a role on the left with potentially Wirtz and most definitely youngster Rio Ngumoha, who scored on his second Premier League start against Fulham last weekend.Mohamed Salah was benched against PSG but will most likely be back on the right flank with Federico Chiesa and Frimpong possible alternatives if required.The 20-year-old Jayden Danns has missed the majority of the season with hamstring issues.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FC