“We Don’t Have Enough” – Arne Slot Drops Liverpool Lineup Hint Ahead of Brighton Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Must Prioritise Rest Despite Arne Slot’s Caution

In the latest rounds of the Carabao Cup, Liverpool face Brighton with a fixture schedule that’s becoming increasingly relentless. Injuries are mounting, players aren’t back and wanted and Liverpool find themselves in a dilemma that begs the question: should they push their main players or give much-needed minutes to squad players? While Arne Slot hints at a cautious approach to rotation, Liverpool would be wise to keep their first-team stars fresh for the Premier League grind and European clashes that loom large.

Slot’s recent comments highlight the challenges of balancing a hectic schedule with squad health:

“I don’t think it’s possible to do the same as we did against West Ham for the simple reason that we got some injuries, so we don’t have maybe enough players to change them all if I wanted that.”

He’s right about the physical toll, but that’s precisely why Liverpool should look to bench as many first-team regulars as possible. The deeper squad players, who rarely get a full 90 minutes, are now the ones who need to take centre stage. If Liverpool drop out of the Carabao Cup, the potential benefits for their season-long objectives might outweigh the short-term disappointment.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Swaps: Quansah, Gomez and Bradley Deserve Their Shot

Liverpool’s defence, with stalwarts like Van Dijk, Konate, and Alexander-Arnold, has shown resilience but also signs of fatigue. This Brighton clash presents the ideal opportunity to rest these key players and allow emerging talents such as Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez, and Conor Bradley to take the field. Not only will this help preserve the first team’s stamina, but it will also offer valuable match experience to these younger players.

Photo: IMAGO

In a long season where Liverpool are vying on multiple fronts, having a fully fit defence could make the difference between falling short or lifting trophies. Slot’s reservations about over-rotation are understandable, but Liverpool’s best chance at longevity lies in resting their defensive rocks whenever possible. It can’t be ignored that Trent is still carrying a minor muscle strain.

Midfield Dynamics: Endo and Morton Poised for Starts

Among the midfielders, Wataru Endo is a likely starter, with Slot already expressing his belief in the Japanese international’s capability to handle the pressure. Slot admitted:

“I think Wata is one of the players that might be in the line-up because the season is going to be so long, and we will need him during the season. Therefore, once in a while, he needs this playing time as well.”

Photo: IMAGO

Endo’s physicality and match intelligence make him a valuable asset, especially in the Carabao Cup, where the stakes are slightly lower than in other competitions. Alongside Endo, Tyler Morton could slot into midfield, bringing fresh energy and ambition. The Carabao Cup represents the perfect stage for young, determined players like Morton, who can use this platform to prove their worth and gain valuable match experience. Even if it’s likely at another club in January.

With the possibility of rotating the midfield further, those not slated to start in the weekend’s fixture should be considered. Liverpool’s depth allows for ample experimentation, and finding the right balance in midfield without leaning on regulars could be a smart long-term play. In simple terms, whoever isn’t set to start on Saturday in the league encounter takes the field in this one.

Attack Rotation: Time to Limit Salah’s Minutes

With Liverpool’s attacking options somewhat restricted, it’s crucial to manage Mohamed Salah’s minutes carefully. Giving him a full 90 against Brighton could be detrimental ahead of tougher matches. Instead, Salah could come on as an impact substitute for the last 30 minutes if needed, allowing Darwin Nunez or other attacking options to take the starting role. Liverpool’s rotation strategy here could be the key to keeping Salah fresh for more significant fixtures.

Photo: IMAGO

Utilising all five substitutions would maximise the team’s flexibility. In a cup that’s not the top priority, using subs to avoid fatigue and potential injuries makes sense. Even if the Reds were to exit the Carabao Cup, the decision could pay dividends in more crucial competitions. It’s about thinking big picture, and sometimes the wisest course isn’t to play your best; it’s to rest your best.

Slot’s cautious approach has merit, Liverpool must consider the long game. Keeping players fresh and injury-free outweighs the immediate stakes of a single cup tie. By leaning on emerging talent and strategic rotations, Liverpool can navigate this fixture while keeping eyes firmly on their larger ambitions. If this means an early exit from the Carabao Cup, so be it. Liverpool’s true battles lie ahead, and they’ll need every ounce of energy to conquer them.