With Liverpool needing a Premier League win off the back of another defeat in midweek, Arne Slot could look to fresh legs to help relieve the pressure.
There were few, if any, redeeming qualities to Liverpool’s approach, performance or result in Paris, nor the two matches before that.
But further dropped points in the Premier League cannot be tolerated, with Fulham‘s visit starting a run of fixtures against those capable of beating the Reds to a Champions League spot.
Having played in Paris on Wednesday evening, Slot sought to emphasise that “not all of our players are able and capable of playing three days later,” which hints at some rotation.
While it is an excuse that Slot seemingly put to bed last week, let’s see how it could influence his selection choices against Fulham.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs. Fulham
Gomez and Frimpong both played 90 minutes against PSG despite the knowledge that their ability to start in quick succession was doubtful, which likely leaves a midfielder at right-back.
Dominik Szoboszlai seems the obvious choice, and he may not be the only full-back change as Andy Robertson can add energy, having played only 26 minutes across the last four matches.
Jones can then be deployed in midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, and behind a rotated forward line of Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo.
With Alexander Isak still not fit to start and Hugo Ekitike looking increasingly fatigued, the changes ought to add fresh impetus and, one would hope, some semblance of intensity:
Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Gakpo
On the other hand, if Slot is keen to keep Szoboszlai in midfield, he could turn to Jones at right-back alongside an otherwise unchanged backline.
It goes without saying, though, that if Gomez or Frimpong are fit and able to start, they will.
With Salah having had his ‘energy saved’ in midweek, his return is undisputed, and he could flank Wirtz, Gakpo and Ekitike in the forward line.
Liverpool cannot work under the assumption they will be in a strong position midway through the second half, but you expect Slot would be eager to start Ekitike and swap him out for Isak at some stage:
Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
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With three defeats in a row across all competitions, there is no sugar coating the significance of Liverpool getting three points on the board as the season draws to a close.
They need to find renewed energy and belief, and that starts with the head coach, who ought to appreciate how Liverpool’s season hangs in the balance.