In a key Champions League opener, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has decided to make two changes for the match against AC Milan at San Siro. The Reds will face off against their 2005 and 2007 final rivals following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, marking Slot’s first defeat as the Liverpool manager.
The Dutchman has shaken up the side that faced Nottingham Forest by bringing in defender Kostas Tsimikas and attacker Cody Gakpo to inject some freshness into the left-hand side of the team. Gakpo is set to replace Luis Diaz, while Diogo Jota retains his spot in the final third. Tsimikas’s inclusion means Andrew Robertson will start on the bench.
In a surprising move, Tammy Abraham has been dropped in one of Milan’s three changes for the match. Despite scoring and winning a penalty in their previous 4-0 Serie A victory over Venezia, Abraham finds himself on the bench as Alvaro Morata returns to lead the line for Milan.
On the Liverpool side, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister continue in the midfield despite competition from Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo. In defense, Ibrahima Konate retains his place, keeping Jarell Quansah out of the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca, also managing his first Champions League match for the Rossoneri, has made three changes from their weekend thrashing of Venezia. Morata, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao form a formidable attacking trio for the Italian side, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts in the midfield.
The starting lineup for Liverpool includes Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, and Jota. Notable players on the bench for Liverpool include Gomez, Endo, Diaz, and Jones.
It promises to be an exciting match as two European giants clash in the Champions League, with both teams eager to make their mark in the competition.