Liverpool lineups vs. Chelsea after Arne Slot hints he will not go back to basics

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Arne Slot has yet to oversee three successive defeats as Liverpool’s head coach, and his team selection against Chelsea will be key for a timely boost before the international break. Chelsea There have been several mainstays for Slot this season and that will remain the case, though Giorgi Mamardashvili is the obvious exception as he prepares for his Premier League debut.

Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have been constants on the wing and with Ekitike battling a hamstring issue, Alexander Isak is the obvious choice to start after only four touches in Istanbul. • Mamardashvili and Robertson replace Alisson and Kerkez, respectively • Mac Allister starts with Wirtz as the No. 10 • Isak back in the XI to lead the line Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak There have been increased calls for Slot to go back to basics with his personnel and system, but he hinted that is not in the cards in his press conference.

To that end, we could expect to see the same system but with Szoboszlai acting as the most advanced midfielder, as he was last season, and Wirtz deployed on the left. This ensures the Hungarian’s work ethic is retained, relationships can still be formed, and that there is more familiar personnel behind the ball: • Conor Bradley returns to the XI • Szoboszlai starts as most advanced midfielder, Wirtz on the left Those tweaks look like this: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak Liverpool need to find defensive stability to build on having conceded in their last five matches, and everyone knows that is vitally important away from home.