Liverpool SLAMMED for BIZZARE 'advent calendar' graphic

Arne Slot was criticised by some for his lack of rotation against Nottingham Forest at the weekend. 

The Liverpool manager suffered his first setback on Saturday, losing 1-0 in a disappointing performance for his side, who were expected to win comfortably.

The first XI at the weekend was the exact same as it was for Slot's last three games in charge, with some pundits questioning the wisdom of starting players like Alexis Mac Allister, who went off early with a knock during the international break with Argentina.

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Slot has responded to that criticism this evening by making X changes to his side, freshening up the first XI ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Kostas Tsimikas and Cody Gakpo have all been given their first starts under Slot, with Andy Robertson and Luis Diaz dropping to the bench for the first time.

Changes were expected ahead of a busy period of games – tonight's CL opener is the second game of seven in 22 days for Liverpool, so rotation will be key to minimise injuries as the season ramps up.

While most people have welcomed the changes, there has been significant backlash online to the way in which they announced the team news, with a number of fans voicing their frustration at the design of the graphic.

The replies to Liverpool's post on X show that fans were left confused with the layout of the team, with one prominent account saying "you cannot be putting this out and calling it a team sheet graphic," before adding "not telling us the team would be better than this.

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Changes were expected ahead of a busy period of games – tonight's CL opener is the second game of seven in 22 days for Liverpool, so rotation will be key to minimise injuries as the season ramps up.

Virgil van Dijk is making his 50th appearance as captain for the Reds, and it is his first time leading the team out in the Champions League.

Liverpool's three-man midfield are all making their Champions League debuts for the club, while new signing Federico Chiesa is on the bench and could come on to make his debut.

AC Milan's danger man

Speaking ahead of the game, Slot singled out one AC Milan player as the most dangerous they would face this evening.

"You asked me if he is special?" Slot said of winger Rafael Leão. "A lot of talk about him and I think he is a top player but people always talk about the top players and not those underneath."

"We have studied his quality and he is one who catches your eye. How to stop him at his best, we defend as a team to stop the quality of Rafa Leão. They have quality players and he is one of their top players in my opinion."

Sporting Director Richard Hughes grew up in Milan, and will be keeping a close eye on proceedings tonight, where a number of potential Liverpool signings will be on show.

Liverpool's advantage over AC Milan

The two sides have met four times over the years, with Liverpool holding the edge. The Reds have won three matches, while AC Milan have secured only one victory in that time.

Liverpool won both games when the sides faced each other in the group stage of the competition in the 2021/22 season, beating Milan 3-2 at home and 2-1 away on their run all the way to the final in the Stade de France.

The other two games between the Reds and Milan were both in Champions League finals – Liverpool famously beat Milan on penalties in 2005 following a miraculous comeback, while the Italian side got revenge just two years later, beating Rafa Benitez's side 2-1 in 2007.

Liverpool squad in full:

Liverpool: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo

Subs: Caoimhín Kelleher, Vítězslav Jaroš, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Conor Bradley.