Federico Chiesa’s debut and Ryan Gravenberch’s new position – Liverpool’s potential starting XI against AC Milan in the Champions League…

Liverpool’s potential starting lineup for the Champions League encounter with AC Milan is set to feature Federico Chiesa in his debut and Ryan Gravenberch in a newly defined role.

With Federico Chiesa making his debut and Ryan Gravenberch taking on a new role, Liverpool’s likely starting XI for the Champions League clash with AC Milan is taking shape.

Liverpool’s anticipated lineup versus Milan – Champions League

Liverpool is set to face Milan in the newly expanded 2024/25 Champions League. The Reds experienced a surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Head coach Arne Slot may implement changes for the upcoming match in Italy.

The 2024/25 Champions League campaign kicks off for Liverpool on Tuesday as they visit their long-standing rivals, Milan, in the competition’s newly structured league format. The revised 36-team Champions League has eliminated the traditional group stage, opting instead for a single league table.

Liverpool aims to secure a spot among the eight teams that will automatically advance to the knockout stage. Their quest for a seventh European Cup begins with a challenging match against the Italian powerhouse, Milan, who have also lifted the trophy seven times.

Liverpool had enjoyed a strong start under new manager Arne Slot, but their momentum was halted by Nottingham Forest’s unexpected victory.

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal marked Slot’s first defeat at Anfield, and he will be looking for a more robust performance from his squad in the upcoming fixture.

Here is a possible lineup Slot might choose for the match in Italy.

Liverpool’s predicted lineup against Milan (4-2-3-1)

GK: Alisson – The Brazilian goalkeeper was understandably frustrated with the outcome on Saturday and could not prevent Hudson-Odoi’s decisive goal. He may find himself more involved at San Siro than he was during the previous match at Anfield.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Following impressive performances with the England national team during the international break, Alexander-Arnold struggled to maintain that level against Forest.

Nevertheless, he remains Liverpool’s primary playmaker from the right-back position.

CB: Ibrahima Konate – After securing a starting position over Jarell Quansah, Konate has displayed impressive form in a Liverpool jersey this season, despite experiencing some challenges with the French national team during the international break. Tammy Abraham will present a significant challenge for the 25-year-old.

CB: Virgil van Dijk – As Liverpool’s captain and defensive leader, Van Dijk is a guaranteed starter whenever fit this season, which could potentially be his final one at Anfield. He must assert his dominance in aerial duels against Abraham.

LB: Andy Robertson – While he has yet to reach his usual high standards under Slot, particularly in attacking situations, Robertson’s position in the starting eleven remains secure given the limited alternatives available to Liverpool in his role.

DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Serving as the rhythm controller in Liverpool’s midfield, Mac Allister has frequently acted as the link between defense and offense since joining from Brighton.

He performed commendably despite the team’s loss to Forest over the weekend following a challenging international break.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Having taken on the number six role for the Netherlands, Gravenberch was again utilized in a deeper position last weekend. A strong performance will further enhance his confidence in this less familiar role.

RW: Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian star appeared to be off his game against Forest after extensive travel for international duty, yet he managed to score both home and away against Milan during the 2021/22 Champions League group stage.

AM: Curtis Jones – With Dominik Szoboszlai struggling in the match against Forest and Harvey Elliott unavailable, Jones may be given a starting opportunity after missing the early part of the season due to injury.

He is certainly more effective in offensive situations than in defensive ones.

LW: Luis Diaz – He showcased flashes of his outstanding early-season form on Saturday, hitting the post with a solid attempt, but Slot will be looking for more from him this weekend as he faces former Tottenham defender Emerson Royal.

ST: Darwin Nunez – While Diogo Jota performed adequately against Forest, he could benefit from a rest.

This may open the door for Darwin Nunez to make his first start in the lineup.