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Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, with both sides aiming to strengthen their hopes of European qualification.
The Reds have received a boost with the Premier League awarded an extra Champions League spot following Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg win over Sporting CP. Liverpool can still qualify as holders, but must overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
After three league games without a win, Arne Slot’s side need a response, especially with rivals also facing tough fixtures. Fulham, meanwhile, remain in contention for European places and arrive in solid form, with three wins from their last five.
The Premier League champions will again be without Alisson Becker, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo remain sidelined.
With one eye on PSG, Slot could rotate, with Andy Robertson pushing to start. Alexander Isak made a brief return in Paris but is unlikely to start, while Mohamed Salah – an unused substitute – should come back in as Slot returns to a 4-2-3-1.
Explaining why Salah did not feature against PSG on Wednesday night, Slot told reporters: “I think in the last part of the game, it was more about surviving for us than there was ever a chance that we could score.
“Yeah, you never know, because last season we scored five minutes before the end, Harvey Elliott [scored] when I took Mo off.
“But I think this was a 20, 25 minutes where we were only defending and Mo has so much quality, but for Mo to be 20, 25 minutes defending inside his own box, I think it’s better for him to save his energy for a lot of games that are coming up in the upcoming weeks.”
Fulham could welcome Kenny Tete back, though Calvin Bassey is a doubt. Club-record signing Kevin is set to miss out after foot surgery.
With form dipping, Liverpool face a tricky test against a confident Fulham side, though the added Champions League spot may ease some pressure on Slot.