Alan Shearer makes surprising claim in Liverpool XI prediction for Arsenal clash
Liverpool's title credentials will be under the spotlight this weekend as they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and Arne Slot has been given a simple instruction over his starting XI
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorAlan Shearer claims he would be “shocked” to see Arne Slot bench Curtis Jones for Liverpool's crunch clash with Arsenal.
The Liverpool academy graduate turned in a stunning performance last weekend as the Reds earned victory against Chelsea at Anfield. But he dropped out of Slot’s starting XI for the midweek clash with RB Leipzig.
Shearer is sure he will be restored at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal and will be baffled should Jones remain on the bench. Speaking to Betfair, the former Newcastle striker said: “We said last week that Liverpool will face a huge test in Chelsea, and they're about to face an even bigger test in Arsenal, away from home, which makes it even more difficult.
"However, whatever tests they've had already this season, they've passed, and don't be surprised if they pass this one too. I'd be shocked if Curtis Jones wasn't the first name on the team sheet.
"It would be difficult to understand if you put in the performance like he did last week, get man of the match and the winner, to be then left out the following week. I'd be amazed if he wasn’t in the XI."
Slot has already offered an explanation over why Jones was benched in the week amid calls he should remain in the starting XI. Speaking after the victory against Leipzig, the Liverpool boss said: “For Curtis Jones, I think in everyone’s opinion, he was the best player on the pitch [vs. Chelsea].
“But if you dive a bit deeper into it, he’s only played two games this season from the start and didn’t finish any of the two, so for me it was a bit too early to two days later play him again. And if you have Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], who is back from being sick, it is, in my opinion, a logical choice to make.”
What starting XI should Liverpool name? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Jones, 23, has made eight appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this term - scoring once and providing a solitary assist. That form comes after a season in which he scored five times across Jurgen Klopp ’s final campaign at the helm.
While there is a debate over Jones’ place in the side, Slot has a few injuries to consider ahead of the trip to Anfield. Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all remain sidelined with their own long-term issues. Conor Bradley could potentially be in line to return for the clash with Arsenal.
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