Liverpool Starting XI vs Arsenal: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Slot Balances Rotation with Redemption at Anfield

Return to Fortress Anfield

After the fanfare of a title-winning campaign and a forgettable trip to Stamford Bridge, Liverpool welcome Arsenal back to Anfield with more than just pride on the line. Arne Slot’s side fell 3-1 to Chelsea in a match that saw heavy rotation, and while the Premier League trophy is already secured, the manager is clearly not content to coast through the finish line.

Facing an Arsenal side bruised by their Champions League exit, Liverpool must strike the balance between development and dominance. The team is likely to be stronger than the one fielded last week, but with Slot’s gaze already tilting towards next season, the XI will offer hints about the future as well as the present.

Alexander-Arnold Sidelined as Bradley Steps In

Perhaps the most symbolic change comes at right-back. With confirmation that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the club at season’s end, the door swings open for Conor Bradley. Slot has confirmed the switch with a nod to development:

“Conor will start, he needs playing time, games under his belt to be prepared for next season.”

Bradley’s rawness has been evident in flashes, but Slot’s endorsement suggests a long-term role is being considered. It’s not so much a farewell to Alexander-Arnold as it is the beginning of a new chapter for Liverpool in the Premier League.

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Elsewhere in defence, Ibrahim Konaté is likely to return after Jarrell Quansah struggled to impose himself. Slot’s post-match comments hinted at a lingering sense of doubt over the young centre-back:

“[He needs] consistency in his performances.”

With Joe Gomez still injured, the centre-back pairing of Konaté and Van Dijk appears inevitable.

Midfield Options Give Slot a Selection Headache

Luis Diaz is expected to return to the front line after being rested against Chelsea. Diogo Jota is the likeliest to make way, while the midfield remains a puzzle with multiple pieces. Harvey Elliott may drop out after a quiet showing, making space for one or more of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, or Alexis Mac Allister—all of whom are pressing their claims.

Slot remains deliberately elusive when asked about selection:

“There are a lot of influences on decisions I make and one of them is losing. I am not looking to lose all four but more things go into a line-up than losing or rotating, so we will see.”

It’s a statement that reveals little but says much: Liverpool’s rotation will be pragmatic, not sentimental.

Salah Eyes Another Milestone

One player not subject to much debate is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian remains in pursuit of personal records even as the team celebrates collective glory. Arsenal, who are seeking to salvage pride from their season, may find Salah’s motivation an unwelcome subplot.

Liverpool’s predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo