Gakpo Set to Strike Back Against PSV as Liverpool Unleash Predicted XI
Liverpool are looking for a chance to bounce back when they face PSV Eindhoven in Wednesday's Champions League fixture.
The Merseyside club endured their third consecutive 3-0 loss in the past month during the weekend as they were overwhelmed at home by Nottingham Forest, marking their eighth defeat in 11 matches across all tournaments. Arne Slot is experiencing the most challenging period of his coaching tenure as Liverpool's situation continues to deteriorate.
PSV Eindhoven, Slot's previous Dutch league rivals, might worsen matters for the manager, who naturally faces enormous scrutiny following recent performances and after a remarkable £446 million summer investment.
The Anfield side, having secured three victories from four Champions League matches in the group stage, urgently require a win to halt their decline and enhance their prospects of directly qualifying for the knockout rounds of Europe's top tournament.
Here's how Liverpool might set up at their home ground.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. PSV Eindhoven (4-3-3)
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper had an unfortunate return to Liverpool's starting eleven as he conceded three goals. Alisson was powerless to stop Forest's attack as his defensive line crumbled before him.
RB: Dominik Szoboszlai—With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined through injury, Szoboszlai will continue in his temporary right-back position, with the Hungarian being among the few players maintaining decent form during this season's poor run.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The French defender was substituted before the 60-minute mark against Forest after struggling against Igor Jesus. Despite Slot's limited central defensive choices, Konaté is expected to start once more on Wednesday.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The Dutch captain described Liverpool's display as "chaotic" following the Forest match, and his evaluation was spot-on. Van Dijk, like several occasions this season, had difficulties during another disappointing outing.
LB: Andy Robertson—While Milos Kerkez returned to the starting formation at the weekend, Robertson will probably take his place for the PSV encounter. The Scottish defender's international success quickly turned sour upon his return to Merseyside.
CM: Curtis Jones—Jones played in Liverpool's midfield trio on Saturday but failed to create significant impact during the team's poor showing. With Florian Wirtz likely unavailable due to injury, the English midfielder should start again.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—The Dutch midfielder was exceptional early in the campaign but has fallen victim to the same struggles affecting his teammates recently. Gravenberch appears disconnected in the middle of the park.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—Liverpool urgently need Mac Allister to regain his form, as the Argentine playmaker is crucial for the team's match control. He did net the decisive goal against Real Madrid in their latest European match, though.
RW: Mohamed Salah—The Egyptian winger has faced criticism for remaining quiet during Liverpool's poor spell, and his recent displays have also been questioned. Nevertheless, Slot should continue with the 2024-25 Premier League Player of the Season.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Alexander Isak suffered another loss while spearheading the attack on Saturday, managing only 14 touches in an anonymous display. Ekitiké, who has been the team's most effective forward this season, should take over from the struggling Swedish striker.
LW: Cody Gakpo—The Dutch winger made 159 senior appearances for PSV before moving to Liverpool and received a cordial reception when returning to Eindhoven in last season's Champions League. He found the net in Liverpool's 3-2 loss to his previous club in January.
