Liverpool have named their starting XI for the FA Cup third round clash with Accrington Stanley, with Arne Slot making 10 changes to the team which lost to Tottenham
Liverpool’s wonderkid Rio Ngumoha wll start against Accrington Stanley, with Trent Alexander-Arnold captaining the side for the FA Cup third round clash. Reds manager Arne Slot has made significant changes from the team that started in Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Tottenham.
The 16-year-old Ngumoha is the standout change, being given his senior debut by Slot. Caoimhin Kelleher will replace Alisson in goal, while Alexander-Arnold will move from the bench to start as right-back and captain the team.
He’ll be joined in defence by Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, while Wataru Endo continues in his makeshift centre-back role. Endo will be partnered in central defence by Jarrell Quansah, who is fit to play after an early exit in the Spurs defeat.
Slot’s chosen midfield trio consists of Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton and Dominik Szoboszlai. Elliott, who is reportedly on Borussia Dortmund’s radar, could be sold by Liverpool for a fee of £40million.
Meanwhile, Szoboszlai has recovered from illness to secure his spot in the starting line-up. Up front, Ngumoha replaces superstar Mohamed Salah on the right wing, with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota sharing the left-winger and striker roles,.
The decision to give Alexander-Arnold the captain’s armband may hint at his future at Anfield. The right-back’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Real Madrid are keen to sign him.
As per talkSPORT, Alexander-Arnold has reportedly informed Liverpool’s top brass that he’d be open to a contract extension if they promise him the permanent captaincy in the ‘long run’.
Trent being captain comes are Roy Keane has slammed him for being given “the run around” by Manchester United.
The Red Devils had managed to keep Arne Slot’s side at bay when the half-time whistle sounded – and Keane pulled no punches on Sky when it came to Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpudlian had been skinned by Diogo Dalot for Ruben Amorim’s side best chance – which was squandered by Amad Diallo in the 2-2 draw.
“Trent’s defending has been awful today,” Keane fumed at half-time. “We’re talking about him going to Real Madrid but he’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this performance.”