Liverpool: Arne Slot set to hand out debut and ready to ring changes | Football | Sport

The Carabao Cup’s return to the fixture list will likely prompt Liverpool boss Arne Slot to make several changes for their tie with Crystal Palace this week. Despite suffering a penalty shootout defeat in the Community Shield in August and a 2-1 loss at Selhurst Park last month, it’s doubtful that Slot will deploy his star players in a bid for revenge.

As usual, the squad will be rotated, potentially leading to some intriguing narratives during the fourth-round tie. Many of Liverpool‘s players are essentially competing for more game time in this tournament. Freddie Woodman is set to make his debut for the Reds in goal. With Alisson Becker out due to a hamstring problem, Giorgi Mamardashvili has been the first choice recently, so Woodman, who arrived on a quiet free transfer in the summer, will be chosen to stand in.

At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is currently out with a hamstring injury, leaving Conor Bradley as the only available senior player in that position.

Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in there occasionally this season, and while it might be suggested that Joe Gomez could step in, the experienced and adaptable defender will be required to play centre-back. Will Bradley be asked to play his third match in a week?

That’s a delicate balancing act for Slot to manage.

Calvin Ramsay, who last played a senior match nearly three years ago in a penalty-shootout victory over Derby County under Jurgen Klopp, could be an unexpected choice. However, an injury to Bradley, who has a less-than-perfect fitness record, would be a significant blow at this point.

Gomez might be partnered with Wataru Endo in defence, as the head coach is unlikely to risk Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk, while Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson are options for the left side.

In midfield, it could be a prime chance to give Alexis Mac Allister some game time, as he continues to strive for full fitness following a disrupted summer. The Argentinian World Cup winner came on as a substitute in Frankfurt last week and again in the 3-2 loss to Brentford on Saturday.

Trey Nyoni is hoping for another start, having kicked off the match against Southampton in the previous round. This competition is ideal for young players with potential who need first-team experience.

A partnership with Mac Allister could be just the ticket to give Szoboszlai the night off, or at least a spot on the bench, given his extensive playtime this season.

This tournament is tailor-made for Federico Chiesa, who provided two assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the win over Southampton last month. The Italian is expected to once again take up his position on the right flank.

However, there’s a joker in the pack in the shape of Kieran Morrison, who was on the bench for Saturday’s clash against Brentford. The Northern Irish winger played a key role in all five goals on Wednesday afternoon when Rob Page’s young guns triumphed over their Frankfurt rivals in a nail-biting 5-4 match in the UEFA Youth League.

Could Morrison be rewarded with a first-team start following his recent impressive form?

On the other side, Rio Ngumoha, like Nyoni, is expected to make an appearance. Anfield chiefs have big expectations for the ex-Chelsea starlet and he’s been showing promising signs since pre-season, demonstrating his potential having only celebrated his 17th birthday at the end of August.

This could be another opportunity for the England Under-19 international to showcase his talent.

Much hinges on the severity of Isak’s groin problem when it comes to deciding who will spearhead the attack. With Jayden Danns out of action due to a hamstring injury, Slot might consider giving Sweden international Isak some game time, similar to what he did against Southampton, when he netted his sole goal for the club so far.

If there are any doubts, however, the burden may once again fall on Ekitike to lead the line. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are also possibilities if Slot decides not to gamble with the France international, although both players would admittedly be operating outside their usual roles.