Storm Darragh allowed Liverpool to put their feet up at the weekend and they could book their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a victory on Tuesday evening.
Arne Slot’s Reds face a Girona team currently ranked 30th in the league phase table through five games. While Liverpool are yet to drop a point in Europe this term, Girona have mustered just three points and merely boast an outside chance of qualifying for the play-offs.
Saturday’s postponement means Slot is unlikely to rotate heavily from last Wednesday’s draw at Newcastle, but the Dutch boss will be keen to offer rests to key stars ahead of the most hectic period in the Premier League calendar.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up against Girona.
GK: Caomhin Kelleher – The Republic of Ireland international didn’t have to endure what would have undoubtedly been a long-ball Everton approach in the strong gusts of Darragh on Saturday and is set to enjoy a fairly serene outing on Tuesday.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The Englishman’s undeniable quality in possession helped Liverpool turn the tide on Tyneside last week and he should return to the starting XI here. Slot has been managing the full-back’s minutes carefully.
CB: Joe Gomez – Neither Gomez nor Jarell Quansah covered themselves in glory at Newcastle, but Gomez, for his performance against Man City, has a little more credit in the bank and is likely to get the nod in Girona.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s key stabiliser is a shoo-in when available, but Slot could offer his captain some respite if the Reds gain a comfortable advantage.
LB: Andy Robertson – A lot will be asked of Robertson while Kostas Tsimikas is out. The Greece international is poised to endure a few more weeks on the sidelines.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – The revelation at the base of Liverpool’s midfield has enjoyed himself in this competition thus far and has quickly established himself as a firm favourite of the new manager.
CM: Curtis Jones – Jones hasn’t been ubiquitous for the Reds this term, but he typically impresses when given the chance. The midfielder should remain in the team having scored in the draw with Newcastle.
RW: Mohamed Salah – There’s movement on the contract front, although Liverpool are yet to strike an agreement with their talisman. Salah is at the forefront of the Reds’ current charge.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The Hungarian’s power was missed on Tyneside and he’s a sure bet to return to the starting XI with Alexis Mac Allister serving a one-game suspension.
LW: Cody Gakpo – The Dutch forward finally looks at complete ease on Merseyside and has enjoyed home comforts this season. Only two of his nine goals have arrived away from Anfield this season, suggesting Girona don’t have too much to fear on Tuesday.
ST: Luis Diaz – Darwin Nunez simply isn’t getting the job done and Slot has had success utilising Diaz up top. Expect the Colombian to get the nod in Girona.
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