Jones in, Mac Allister out - could this be Liverpool's XI v Nottingham Forest?

Liverpool have flown out of the blocks this season, collecting maximum points, but the international break has given new boss Arne Slot much to think about.

A pair of 2-0 wins - against Ipswich Town and Brentford - and a 3-0 demolition of Manchester United have endeared the Anfield faithful to the new Dutchman at the helm. Slot has kept the same starting line-up for the past two games, but with Alexis Mac Allister picking up an injury and Harvey Elliott ruled out for a few weeks, there are some interesting decisions to be made.

Read more: Arne Slot delivers crucial injury BOOST ahead of Nottingham Forest visit

The Reds welcome an also-unbeaten Nottingham Forest to Anfield this Saturday afternoon, and neither side will want their first loss to come this early. But who will Slot send out to extend Liverpool's brilliant start to the season?

Goalkeeper - Alisson

Starting off strong with a no-brainer, the chances of Alisson being rotated are slim to none. The shot-stopper played every minute for Brazil over the international break - including in their surprising 1-0 defeat to Paraguay - making a grand total of five saves, only conceding to a 20-yard-outside-of-the-foot screamer that crashed off the inside of the post.

Right-Back - Trent Alexander-Arnold

The local lad’s stock is way back up after a strong start to the season and two exemplary displays on international duty over the past week. It’s almost unthinkable that these these starts at right-back were his first in an England shirt in four years, but Trent proved his worth by being vital parts of the build-up for Declan Rice’s goal against Ireland, Harry Kane’s second strike against Finland, and getting the assist for Kane’s first in that game.

Centre-Back - Ibrahima Konaté

The Frenchman has played every league minute since Arne Slot’s controversial decision to bring him on for Jarrell Quansah at half-time on the opening day. That decision has been rewarded with Liverpool yet to concede a Premier League goal this season. His confidence may be a bit shaken by seeing out the entirety of France’s 3-1 defeat to Italy and not playing in their 2-0 win against Belgium, but there is no reason to expect a change here.

Centre-Back - Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk referred to himself as ‘the big leader’ over the international break and announced his intention to remain that for at least the next two years for his nation - a notion Liverpool fans will hope he brings to Anfield as well. The captain performed strongly as ever in the Netherlands’ 5-2 win over Bosnia and 2-2 draw to Germany. After a dominant performance in Liverpool’s last outing against United at Old Trafford, he’ll be keen to get back out in front of the home fans this weekend.

Left-Back - Andy Robertson

It still feels like the left-back is yet to truly return to his full form following a tough Euros campaign in the summer and fitness struggles, but even a below-par Robbo is better than most Premier League players in his position. Two disappointing results with Scotland won’t have given him the boost he may have needed, but his ability to play throughout the 90 minutes on each occasion is welcome news.

Defensive Midfield - Ryan Gravenberch

There perhaps hasn’t been a better story at Liverpool this season so far than Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman has been ignited by Arne Slot’s arrival and a move further back in the pitch. He spent the United game gliding through the middle of the Old Trafford pitch at will, and this form was only added to by a truly sensational pass in Netherlands’ game against Germany this week that has gone viral.

Centre Midfield - Curtis Jones

Here comes the surprise. With Alexis Mac Allister picking up a slight knock in the Argentina camp this week, we are going to suggest that Curtis Jones, now back in full training, picks up his first minutes of the season against Forest.

It’s a tricky call. Liverpool are at the start of seven games in three weeks, the most difficult of these on paper being Tuesday’s game away to AC Milan. Despite Mac Allister making a post-injury cameo for Argentina and training with Slot's squad yesterday, we think the manager might save his starting centre-mid for the San Siro.

Attacking Midfield - Dominik Szoboszlai 

The Hungarian is performing well in his more advanced role, yet has only picked up one assist and no goals so far this season. There is only so much one can do when funnelling the ball to Mo Salah, however, and Szoboszlai does this better than anyone.

Yet, with Italy boss Luciano Spaletti suggesting new signing Federico Chiesa could operate well as a ‘second striker’, Arne Slot may be tempted to see what his new toy could do in the position Szoboszlai currently fills.

Right Forward - Mo Salah

Let’s not be silly. Any suggestion that Liverpool’s talisman wouldn’t occupy his place would rightfully be met with condemnation. With his future up in the air, the Egyptian himself acknowledged that it was his ‘last season’ in a Sky Sports interview following the United game. 

Regardless, Salah is performing as good as ever. His season has started with involvements in six of the seven goals Liverpool have scored (three goals, three assists). Get that contract done, please.

Left Forward - Luis Diaz

The Colombian has been handed the left-sided start by Slot this season and has done nothing to make his new boss rue that decision. Three goals in three games is a terrific return, including two as he terrorised Manchester United. Add to that his finding the net for Colombia and contributing to his nation’s 2-1 victory over world champions Argentina and the former Porto man is flying at the moment. He returned to training on Thursday after flying back from South America, so if there were to be any rotation, then Cody Gakpo could be employed to occupy this space.

Striker - Diogo Jota

Despite only scoring against Ipswich on the opening day of the season, Diogo Jota has filled in the central attacking role diligently. His ability to occupy space, drag defenders and link play often goes unnoticed but is vital to how Slot wants his team to play. He also picked up a full 90 minutes in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Scotland this week.