AC Milan vs Liverpool is set to be a notable clash as Arne Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, has chosen a particularly robust squad for their opening UEFA Champions League match. Slot, keen to kick off his European campaign with a win, has made strategic changes to the lineup, demonstrating his aim to create a positive impact in this prestigious tournament.
In his selection, Slot has introduced several adjustments compared to the lineup that lost to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. Specifically, Kostas Tsimikas takes over from Andy Robertson, bringing renewed vigor to the left side, while Cody Gakpo replaces Luis Diaz, infusing energy into the attack. These modifications highlight Slot’s intention to blend consistency with new energy as Liverpool begins its European adventure. Previously, Slot had used the same starting XI for the first four games of the season, making these changes a significant shift in his tactical strategy.
A notable omission from the squad is Harvey Elliott. The promising young player, who had been waiting for his chance after not starting the first three games of the season, has suffered a major setback. Elliott sustained a fractured ankle while with the England under-21 team, and he is expected to be out for at least a month. This injury is particularly disheartening for both Elliott and Liverpool, as he had shown significant potential last season, making 53 appearances across all competitions. His performances in the Europa League were especially impressive, starting eight of their 10 matches before their quarter-final exit to Atalanta. Elliott’s absence from the Champions League squad is a blow given his previous nine appearances and two goals at this level.
In addition to Elliott, two other young players, James McConnell and Jayden Danns, are also absent from the matchday squad. Both have shown promise in Liverpool’s youth ranks but will not feature in this Champions League opener. Fans were also eager to see Trey Nyoni, who has been making waves in the youth teams and was previously seen in a Liverpool Champions League kit photoshoot. However, Nyoni was omitted from the 12 substitutes for this match and instead captained the Liverpool U19 side in their UEFA Youth League game against AC Milan’s U19 team. That match ended in a goalless draw, with Nyoni up against a notable opponent in Maximilian Ibrahimović, son of Zlatan Ibrahimović, as the Italians largely controlled the game.
This fixture also carries historical weight for Liverpool, especially regarding their matches against AC Milan in the Champions League. Since their notorious defeat to Milan in the 2007 Champions League final, the teams have met only twice in competitive matches. These encounters occurred during the 2021/22 group stage, where Liverpool thrived in what was dubbed the “group of death.” The group also included strong teams like Porto and Atletico Madrid, but Liverpool emerged victorious, winning the group with key victories over Milan. A memorable 2-1 win at the San Siro saw Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi score, with lesser-known players like Nat Phillips, Tyler Morton, and Takumi Minamino also making significant contributions. This game underscores Liverpool’s resilience in Europe, even with a somewhat rotated squad.
As Liverpool and AC Milan prepare to renew their rivalry, fans are keen to see how Slot’s revamped side performs against the Italian giants. The absence of key players like Harvey Elliott, coupled with the inclusion of new faces like Tsimikas and Gakpo, adds extra intrigue to this match. Both teams will be aiming to start strongly in the Champions League, with Liverpool looking to reinforce their dominance in a competition that is deeply significant to them.
