Arne Slot needs to get his team selection right against Leeds or it could cost him his job.
This week felt like a pivotal one for the Reds and Slot, with their three matches having a big impact on the future.
They beat West Ham, which saved the Dutchman’s job for another week, drew with Sunderland, and now face Leeds in a game that could be the end if it goes badly.
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Liverpool’s all-time Premier League record vs Leeds is excellent
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- Played 30
- Won 18
- Drawn 7
- Lost 5
- Goals for: 69
- Goals against: 30
Will Liverpool continue their good run at Elland Road on Saturday?
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Of course, he will be doing all he can to put things right, and this starts with his team selection, with a big call needing to be made at right-back.
It has been a bit of a problem position this season for the Reds, but Slot seems to have given an early sign as to who he prefers to start against Leeds in a potentially career-defining game.
Joe Gomez looks likely to start at right-back again
After losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, the pressure of filling the void was left to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, but neither of them have managed to do that just yet.
Frimpong is currently injured and has barely featured, while Bradley too is on the road to recovery and could be back in time for Saturday’s game.
This had led to Joe Gomez being the preferred option in the last two weeks, something that has led to a mixed reaction.
He was solid against West Ham and played a big role in keeping the clean sheet, although his attacking prowess has been questioned, specifically against Sunderland.
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Carragher believes Gomez worsens the balance of the team due to this, indicating that he thinks he should not be starting out there.
However, after saying he could not play three 90-minute matches in one week, Slot took him off on the hour mark on Wednesday night, suggesting he is planning to start him against Leeds.
Joe Gomez is the right person to start against vs Leeds
Going to Elland Road is never easy, but this one is a night game, while Liverpool are in bad form and straight after Leeds have just beaten Chelsea.
So, if they were not up for it before, they certainly will be now, suggesting the Reds could be under a lot of pressure throughout the game.
A resolute backline is what is needed most in this case, and with Gomez providing much better cover in this department, it suggests it is the right call.
They may lose a bit of attacking impetus down the right flank, but Liverpool have enough quality that they should, in theory, be able to manage.
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