Date – 10th December 2024
Venue – Estadi Montilivi
Kick-off – 17.45
After a frustrating weekend in which the Merseyside Derby was cancelled due to Storm Darragh, the team was able to rest and recuperate. This break was especially needed following last Wednesday’s intense 3-3 draw against Newcastle United. This coming Tuesday presents another challenging task for the Reds, as they travel to Spain for some warmer weather and their next Champions League encounter, against Girona.
Girona Availability
Viktor Tsygankov and Yangel Herrera are unavailable for this game, so the host’s manager, Michel, will need to make some selection decisions following their weekend loss to Real Madrid.
Girona’s recent performance includes a 0-3 home loss to Real Madrid, a 2-2 draw away at Villarreal, and a defeat in a penalty shootout against Logroñés in the Copa del Rey. Their last Champions League match ended in a 1-0 loss away to SK Sturm Graz. After playing five games in this season’s European Cup, the Spanish team has earned only three points and currently sits in 30th position in the 38-team league.
A predicted lineup for the home team is outlined below, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The team’s pace on the flanks will be their main outlet, especially as they struggle with confidence. To counter the attacking strength of their opponents, a low block may be necessary, and Daley Blind has been recalled to provide leadership against a former rival.
Paulo Gazzaniga, Arnau Martínez, David López, Daley Blind, Miguel Gutiérrez, Oriol Romeu, Donny van de Beek, Iván Martín, Arnaut Danjuma, Bojan Miovski, Bryan Gil.
Liverpool Team News
Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, and Kostas Tsimikas are all unavailable for Arne Slot. Alisson Becker is back available and has travelled with the squad. However, Diogo Jota did not make the squad and will be eyeing a return against Fulham on Saturday.
Recently, Liverpool have shown strong form. Before their midweek 3-3 draw with Newcastle, they secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Manchester City at Anfield. They also defeated fellow Champions League contenders Real Madrid 2-0, again at Anfield. After playing five matches in the Champions League, the six-time European champions sit at the top of the table, having earned an impressive fifteen points without any losses.
I believe that the Dutch manager, Arne Slot, will field the following team for this crucial match. Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to return to the starting eleven, while Dominik Szoboszlai will help add energy to the midfield. Alexis Mac Allister will be suspended for the next Premier League fixture as well as this European tie; therefore, the starting midfield will likely take this opportunity to coordinate their efforts for the important weekend match.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo.
How Will This Contest Play Out
Liverpool aims to secure three points to maintain their winning record in Europe this season while ensuring a smooth progression into the next round. Finishing in the top eight during this initial phase of the competition eliminates the need for any playoffs. With so much at stake this season and the expectations surrounding the new head coach, Arne Slot, the previous weekend’s rest may prompt the Dutch tactician to field a full-strength lineup.
Player to watch – Luis Díaz
Steven Smith’s Score Prediction;
Girona 1 – 4 Liverpool
