Liverpool’s lineup against AC Milan features Federico Chiesa starting, with Mac Allister sidelined and Wataru Endo stepping in, as Arne Slot implements squad rotation.
Arne Slot is set to implement three changes in the predicted Liverpool lineup against AC Milan.
The anticipated adjustments include Federico Chiesa starting, with Mac Allister sidelined and Wataru Endo stepping in, as Slot rotates his squad for the match.
Liverpool is heading to Italy to face Serie A powerhouse AC Milan in their opening Champions League match at the iconic San Siro Stadium.
Following their exit from last season’s Europa League in the quarter-finals, where they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Atalanta, Liverpool is determined to advance further in European competition this year.
Their prospects of commencing the Champions League with a victory have been greatly enhanced by a clean bill of health across the squad. The only absentee for Arne Slot will be academy product Harvey Elliott, who is facing an extended recovery period due to a foot fracture.
Nonetheless, Liverpool possesses the talent to challenge Milan effectively, even in the absence of their 21-year-old star. Slot is expected to retain the same defensive lineup that suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, but he may opt for a different approach in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister sustained a minor injury while representing Argentina but managed to play for an hour against Forest. However, he may be rested for the match against Milan, with Wataru Endo likely to take on a pivotal role in midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez struggled to make an impact after being substituted in on Saturday, but they could be included in the starting eleven at San Siro, potentially replacing Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
With just over 72 hours separating the Champions League fixture from this weekend’s home match against Bournemouth, Slot is likely to consider making several changes. Federico Chiesa, a summer acquisition, has been working on his fitness, and Slot has indicated that the Italian may make his debut in his home country, although a starting position has been ruled out.
Liverpool starting XI against AC Milan (4-2-3-1 formation): Alisson; Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch; Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah; Darwin Nunez
