Liverpool kick off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign on Tuesday when they travel to old foes Milan in the newly reformed league stage of the competition.
The expanded team of 36 Champions League has done away with the group stage in favor of a single qualification, with Liverpool aiming to be one of the eight teams to automatically qualify for the last 16. Their quest for a seventh European Cup begins with a trip to Italian giants Milan, who have claimed the title seven times themselves.
Liverpool had made a perfect start under new head coach Arne Slot, but Nottingham Forest brought them back down to earth on Saturday. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal gave the Dutchman their lead first defeat in the Anfield dugout and will be hoping for a stronger performance from his players midweek.
Here’s how Slot could line up for Liverpool in Italy.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian was naturally disappointed with Saturday’s result and couldn’t stop Hudson-Odoi winning it for the visitors. He may be busier at San Siro than at Anfield last time.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – After some dazzling displays with England During the international period, Alexander-Arnold struggled to replicate his selection form against Forest. He remains Liverpool’s main creator from the right-back.
CB: Ibrahima Konata – Having struggled against Jarell Quansah, Konate has been in fine form in a redshirt this season despite faltering with France during the international break. Tammy Abraham will be a handful for the 25-year-old.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s captain and organizer at the back, Van Dijk is a guaranteed starter when he is available this season, potentially his last at Anfield. He will have to master the aerial battle with Abraham.
LB: Andy Robertson – Still, to reach his lofty heights under Slot, especially in the opposition half. However, his place in the starting line-up is not under threat given Liverpool’s other options in his position.
DM: Alexis McAllister – The pacesetter in Liverpool’s midfield, Mac Allister has often been the bridge between defense and attack since his move from Brighton. He acted admirably in defeating a forest the weekend after a tough international period.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – After inheriting the number six position from the Netherlands, Gravenberch was once again deployed in a deep role at the weekend. Another strong start will only increase his confidence in an unfamiliar position.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian king was off the pace against Forest after touring Africa with his country, but scored home and away against milan in the group stage of the 2021/22 Champions League.
AM: Curtis Jones – With Dominik Szoboszlai battling against Forest and Harvey Elliott on the sidelines, Jones could get 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 offered a glimpse of his brilliant early-season form 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 Núñez – Diogo Jota was by no means poor against Forest, but he needed a breather. This may pave the way for Darwin Nunez to make the team for his first start in the Slot.
