Darwin Nunez is anticipated to start for Liverpool against Bologna in the Champions League, as head coach Arne Slot must make difficult choices elsewhere.

On Wednesday night, the Reds will host Bologna, an Italian team, in their second league match in the Champions League.

Four days have passed after a difficult 2-1 victory away to Wolves, and with an early kickoff away to Crystal Palace this coming Saturday, adjustments may be necessary.

These are the probable starting lineups for Liverpool vs Bologna.

Liverpool squad in training

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros, Davies

Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Bradley, Tsimikas

Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Morton

Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez

 

Liverpool’s XI vs. Bologna

Even though Slot has used rotation well lately, it’s likely that he won’t make many changes to his starting lineup for the Champions League.

However, at least one change is anticipated because Jota is unlikely to start despite having a positive scan at the beginning of the week.

Nunez entering the assault should bring that about, and Cody Gakpo is another candidate to start, which might result in the following:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

However, there is still a chance that Slot reshuffles his side more, including the opportunity to rest Robertson and perhaps make a tough decision on Dominik Szoboszlai.

With Szoboszlai not at his best in the No. 10 role against Wolves, it could be another chance for Curtis Jones to start.

Kostas Tsimikas is an obvious choice at left-back if Robertson is given a break, while Luis Diaz could be retained for more consistency further forward.

That would see:

If so, this is how Liverpool would look:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Nunez

With the uncertainty over both Jota and Chiesa, there could be fewer options for Slot to consider in rotating for the Champions League.

But either way the Dutchman is likely to go strong, with victory over Serie A’s 12th-placed side required to continue a positive start to the expanded tournament.