Arne Slot confronts Mohamed Salah dilemma as Liverpool plans significant changes

Liverpool will next face Brighton in the League Cup, presenting coach Arne Slot with some selection dilemmas.

Following a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Sunday, where Mohamed Salah netted a late equalizer after Virgil van Dijk had previously leveled, Liverpool remains in second place, four points clear of the third-placed Gunners.

As they shift focus to the League Cup on Wednesday evening, Liverpool aims to defend the trophy they won against Chelsea at Wembley last February.

Jaros question

Slot is expected to make several changes for the upcoming match due to the League Cup being a lower priority for the team.

One area of interest will be the goalkeeper position, as Caoimhin Kelleher has been filling in for the injured Alisson Becker. Vitezslav Jaros, who made his debut recently, is another option.

The defense may depend on the fitness of Conor Bradley, who has been out for three games. If available, he is likely to start at right-back, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to rest.

This would enable Joe Gomez to partner Jarell Quansah in central defense, having previously replaced Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the win over West Ham. Kostas Tsimikas is expected to take over from Andy Robertson at left-back, as they have been alternating throughout the season.

No. 10 poser

In midfield, Wataru Endo, who played in the final minutes against Arsenal, is set to make only his second start this season as one of the two defensive midfielders.

The choice of his partner is critical, as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister likely need a break. Curtis Jones has performed well in the position when called upon, while Tyler Morton is eager for more first-team action after a brief appearance against West Ham.

If Morton plays, it would allow Jones to move into a number 10 role, though Dominik Szoboszlai, who was a substitute at the Emirates, could also be a fresh option.

Harvey Elliott has not played since early September due to a fractured foot, and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni might be on the bench, with fellow Academy player James McConnell still injured.

M.Salah to start 

The most significant challenge for Slot may be in attack. Federico Chiesa hopes to return and could take the right flank, but Liverpool might have to rely on Mohamed Salah for just his fifth League Cup start for the club. Szoboszlai could also be positioned on the right depending on midfield requirements.

With Diogo Jota unavailable, Darwin Nunez may need to start in the center for a fourth consecutive match unless Slot opts to use both Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, with Diaz potentially playing as the central striker. Otherwise, Gakpo is likely to start on the left ahead of Diaz.