Arne Slot knows he must now start 'terrific' player against Man United after what happened last night - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool face Manchester United a week on Sunday in desperate need of three Premier League points.The Reds slumped to three consecutive defeats prior to the international break, with a game against their fiercest rivals arguably the best way to return.Arne Slot has plenty of decisions to make ahead of United’s trip to Anfield, with a fourth loss in succession simply unthinkable.Some of Slot’s choices will be impacted by injuries, of course. Alisson Becker remains sidelined, while there is always a likelihood that fitness issues will arise while Liverpool players are away with their nations.The Reds looked to have picked up another problem heading into the break after Andy Robertson was injured late on against Chelsea.However, after Robertson did well for Scotland against Greece on Thursday, he looks primed and ready to make his return to the starting XI against United.Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty ImagesArne Slot must drop Milos Kerkez for Andy RobertsonRobertson will have been pleased to get 90 minutes under his belt for Scotland on Thursday.
The 31-year-old has been playing far less than usual this season.His demotion to squad player at Anfield has been as a result of Milos Kerkez arriving to take his place.READ MORE: Dutch national media say why Jeremie Frimpong has just re-opened the debate over his best positionUnfortunately, however, Kerkez has failed to fully settle at Liverpool. After another poor performance against Chelsea last weekend, Slot needs to take him out of the firing line.That opportunity looked to have been snatched away following Robertson’s late injury, but having shaken off the knock, he must come back against United.While Ruben Amorim’s side are still well short of their best, they secured a good win against high-flying Sunderland last time out, and will head to Anfield with renewed confidence.Given his fragile form, playing Kerkez once again would feel like an unnecessary gamble from Slot.
Robertson is ready, and he must be utilised.Robertson’s experience needed against Man UnitedSlot cannot continue to start players badly out of form and wonder why Liverpool are failing to win games.Kerkez may well be Liverpool’s left-back for the next five years or more, and he will likely correct his form and go on to have a good season.But for the moment, he is struggling badly. With another big, big game coming, there is no benefit in keeping him in the team.Robertson has also not covered himself in glory, and there is an argument that he could have prevented Chelsea’s late winner on Sunday had he been more switched on.But his experience and solidity will be needed against a United side who could smell blood at Anfield.