Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a delicate balancing act as his side prepare for a tricky trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.
With two challenging Premier League games on the horizon and a packed December schedule, the Dutchman may choose to rotate his squad to maintain momentum.
Slot’s managerial tenure has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Reds leading the way domestically and in Europe.
Confidence within the squad is sky-high as Liverpool sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, courtesy of last weekend’s emphatic 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City.
They previously swatted aside Champions League holders Real Madrid by an identical scoreline, strengthening their credentials as the team to beat this season.
Liverpool’s form on the road has been equally impressive, winning seven of their eight games away from Anfield (D1).
The only blemish in that near-perfect record was inflicted by Arsenal back in October when the Reds were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Like every other Premier League club, Liverpool must deal with a demanding schedule this festive season, with eight games on the cards before the end of the year.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Slot decides to roll the dice at Newcastle, although he may not make any more than two changes to the side that beat Man City at the weekend.
Slot will be without Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas for the trip to St James’ Park.
He could welcome Alisson, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa back to the fold, but the game against Newcastle might come too soon for them to mark their comeback.
Alisson’s deputy, Caoimhin Kelleher, has excelled during the Brazilian’s absence, so Slot has no reason to rush his first-choice goalkeeper back.
Slot could shake things up in midfield, with Curtis Jones set to be recalled ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai, while Darwin Nunez could replace Luis Diaz at the top end of the pitch.
Predicted Liverpool XI
(4-2-3-1): Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch; Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah; Darwin Nunez.
