Elliott, with a few of the other lads, should get a bit more playing time now that the title has been won. — AP
WITH the Premier League trophy already secured, there is really not much for Liverpool to play for, except maybe for pride and records.
There could be a slight concern that the Reds might become “Hangover FC” and ease their foot off the gas pedal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Just like in the 2019/20 season, after having won early when Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1, Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by the Citizens in the following game.
There is no doubt that the Reds will still give their best to win their remaining games, maintain a winning mentality and end the season strongly.
Arne Slot could even use the remaining matches to allow the fringe players the minutes they crave for, while some players truly deserved a break.
The likes of Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliot and Jarell Quansah could be given the opportunity to impress the boss further for another shot to be part of next season.
Ryan Gravenberch will be one of those who deserves a rest, having played in all 34 league matches so far, as Slot’s midfield enforcer.
There would be, however, no rest for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, as the Dutchman is the rock of the defence to keep the team calm and steady, while the Egyptian has more records to chase down.
Like Gravenberch, van Dijk is also ever-present in league matches and it is vital for him to lead the defensive line against Chelsea.
With 28 goals and 18 assists, Salah has surpassed Thierry Henry’s 44 goal involvement record in a 38-match season set by the Frenchman in the 2002/03 season.
Salah is now one short from equalling Alan Shearer and Andy Cole’s 47 goal involvement record in any Premier League season.
Another record he can break is the most assists in a league season, currently jointly held by Henry and Kevin de Bruyne with 20.
As for fifth-placed Chelsea, there is still a chance to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
With Arsenal expected to hang on to second place, the Blues are in a fight with Man City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa for the last three berths left to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
A victory against the Reds could even see them leap to third place should Newcastle and Man City falter.
