Arne Slot faces tough Ibrahima Konate decision as Liverpool consider major defensive change
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool are next up against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posersLiverpool suffered another new low of a difficult campaign when they slumped to a 3-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The Reds are now down in eighth place and a whopping eight points behind runaway leaders Arsenal in the defence of their title.Arne Slot's side now have a fortnight off due to the international break before reconvening ahead of the top-flight clash at home to Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest on Saturday week.And here we look ahead to the changes Reds head coach Slot could make when his team are next in action.READ MORE: Bernardo Silva sparks angry Liverpool reaction as Man City make Hugo Ekitike blunderREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk disagrees with Premier League statement as Liverpool captain slams decisionGomez strengthens caseSlot's decision to largely stick to the same team during the past week paid off against Real Madrid but very much did not at City, where Liverpool looked somewhat leggy and lacking in energy.As ever, the international break will largely be a time for the Reds boss to hope his players avoid serious injury when on national team duty and aren't overly-exerted with their countries.
But a run of seven defeats in 10 games means perhaps something has to change regardless.Slot has previously hinted Alisson Becker could be back available after his hamstring complaint, although Giorgi Mamardashvili will be on standby to continue between the sticks. Freddie Woodman is the third choice.Conor Bradley, now only one booking away from a Premier League suspension, will be favourite to continue at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong still hamstrung and the lesser-spotted Joe Gomez another option.Gomez, though, could now be a major contender for a starting role at centre-back after another poor display from Ibrahima Konate when partnering skipper Virgil van Dijk against City.
Teenager Giovanni Leoni is out for the season after ACL surgery while Wataru Endo is an alternative.Whoever starts between Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez at left-back may well be determined by how many minutes they play for Scotland and Hungary respectively over the next eight days.Midfield change?Liverpool had reverted to their tried-and-trusted midfield but that may now need a rethink after the defeat against City effectively ended their title challenge.Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were both way below their best at the Etihad as the double pivot, and Slot has options there with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Endo all capable of doing a job.It's unlikely there will be a significant change in formation, meaning the number 10 role will remain with Szoboszlai the man in possession.The Hungary international's form means he is certain to start, although if he's needed elsewhere Florian Wirtz, Jones and even Hugo Ekitike - should Slot push more for a 4-4-1-1 approach - are all considerations.Isak questionThe return to fitness of Alexander Isak will put huge pressure on Ekitike for the main central striking role, although both could start.With Egypt without any games over the next week, Mohamed Salah will be rested and favourite to continue on the right flank, with Wirtz having also featured there recently.Wirtz has started the last two games on the left but will come under strong pressure from Cody Gakpo next time out. Federico Chiesa is an option across the frontline while teenager Rio Ngumoha has played on the left.