Liverpool kick off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign on Tuesday when they visit old rivals Milan in a newly revamped league division.
The expanded 36-team Champions League has ended the group stage in favor of league table one, with Liverpool aiming to be one of eight teams to automatically qualify for the Last 16. Their hunt for a seventh European Cup begins with a trip to Italian giants Milan, who have already won seven times title themselves.
Liverpool made a good start under new manager Arne Slot but were brought back down to earth by Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal handed the Dutchman his first defeat at Anfield and he will expect a strong performance from his players in midweek.
Here’s how Slot can make Liverpool in Italy.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian was disappointed with Saturday’s result and was unable to prevent Hudson-Odoi from scoring for the visitors. He may be busier at San Siro than he was at Anfield last week.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – After some impressive performances with England during the international season, Alexander-Arnold struggled to make his national team debut against Forest. He remains Liverpool’s greatest creator from right back.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Alongside Jarell Quansah, Konate has been in fine form in a red shirt this season despite faltering against France at the break. Tammy Abraham will show a handful of 25-year-old players.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s captain and right-back, Van Dijk is a guaranteed starter if he is available this season – which could be his last at Anfield. He will have to rule in the aerial battle with Abraham.
LB: Andy Robertson – However, hitting his highest level under the Slot, especially in the opposing half. However, his place in the starting line-up is not a threat if you look at Liverpool’s other options in his place.
DM: Alexis McAllister – A tempo-setter in Liverpool’s midfield, Mac Allister has often been the bridge between defense and attack since his move from Brighton. He was impressive in the defeat to Forest at the weekend after a difficult international period.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – After securing sixth place for the Netherlands, Gravenberch was relegated to the false role again at the weekend. Another strong outing will build his confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The King of Egypt checked the pace against Forest after traveling through Africa and his country, but scored a home goal against Milan in the group stage of the Champions League in 2021/22.
AM: Curtis Jones With Dominik Szoboszlai struggling against Forest and Harvey Elliott out, Jones could be handed a start after missing the opening weeks of the season through injury. He is certainly more useful in the final third than in the defensive third.
LW: Luis Diaz – He gave a glimpse of his best form earlier in the season on Saturday, hitting the post with a fine effort, but Slot will expect more from him this weekend against former Tottenham defender Emerson Royal.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Diogo Jota was by no means poor against Forest but he could use the wind. That could pave the way for Darwin Nunez to come to the team for the first time under Slot.
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