Liverpool’s lineup possibilities against Bologna, featuring Nunez as a starter and a choice to be made regarding Szoboszlai

Arne Slot likely to start Darwin Nunez in Liverpool’s Champions League match against Bologna, as the head coach faces challenging lineup decisions.

The Reds will host Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday night in their second Champions League group match, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Wolves and with an early match against Crystal Palace coming up this weekend, potential changes are anticipated.

Here are Liverpool’s possible lineup options for the match against Bologna.

Team News

Liverpool trained publicly at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, revealing the following:

– Nunez returns after missing the Wolves match due to illness.
– Andy Robertson is fine after suffering an ankle knock during that victory.
– Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are absent, with Jota having undergone a positive scan on his foot.
– Harvey Elliott remains out with a fractured foot.

Liverpool Training Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros, Davies
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Bradley, Tsimikas
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Morton
Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez

While Slot has used rotation effectively in recent matches, he is likely to stick with a more consistent first-choice XI for the Champions League. Jota is unlikely to start despite positive scan results earlier in the week, which suggests at least one change is expected. Nunez is set to join the attack, and Cody Gakpo may also start, leading to the following lineup:

Regular back five maintained with Robertson fit

first-choice midfield starting again;

Nunez and Gakpo coming in up front and on the left.

This would result in Liverpool lining up as follows:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.

However, there remains a possibility that Slot could make additional adjustments, potentially resting Robertson or reconsidering Dominik Szoboszlai’s position. Given Szoboszlai’s subpar performance in the No. 10 role against Wolves, Curtis Jones might get a chance to start. If Robertson is rested, Kostas Tsimikas is a suitable option at left-back, while Luis Diaz could be retained for consistency upfront. This would see:

Kostas Tsimikas is a clear pick at left-back if Robertson needs rest, and Luis Diaz might stay in the lineup for added consistency. This setup would result in Tsimikas joining a largely unchanged defensive unit, with Jones in

midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Diaz and Mo Salah would remain in attack, supported by Nunez.

The proposed Liverpool formation is:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Nunez.

Given the uncertainty surrounding both Jota and Chiesa, Slot may have fewer options for rotation in the Champions League.

Regardless, the Dutchman is expected to field a strong team, as a win against Serie A’s 12th-placed side is crucial for maintaining a positive start in the expanded tournament.