'Expecting': Arne Slot shares whether he thinks Jarell Quansah will be ready to play against Accrington

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Liverpool head into Saturday’s game against Accrington Stanley hoping for a first win in three matches.

The Reds are still well clear at the top of the Premier League, but their performances have dipped a little of late.

Sunday’s draw against Manchester United was followed up with a disappointing defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

This weekend they are back in cup action again as the FA Cup third round gets underway.

In one of English football’s most celebrated weekend’s, Liverpool are in danger of being subject to a giant-killing at Anfield.

Arne Slot has one or two availability issues to contend with heading into the game, and after seeing both players taken ill in recent days, the Liverpool head coach gave an update on Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai are available

Liverpool have really missed Szoboszlai in recent times. The Hungarian had been coming into some really good form when he went down with illness.

Although Saturday is perhaps not the most crucial game to have Szoboszlai back for, Liverpool fans will be desperate for him to play against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

As for Quansah, his absence would leave the Reds extremely short at centre-back.

But while that could mean young Amara Nallo is set for a Liverpool debut, Slot reassured supporters that both Szoboszlai and Quansah are expected to be available if needed.

READ MORE: Three youngsters all in with chance to play for Liverpool vs Accrington including one senior debut

“Dom trained with the U21s yesterday,” said the Dutch coach. “Jarell, like I said, he was a bit ill last week so we had to take him off during the game, but I’m expecting him to be available for tomorrow.

“So, yes, we know we can use these players in every single game and also the one we have on Saturday.”

Szoboszlai could be in-line for surprise start

One thing that Slot has so far been very keen for his players to have is rhythm.

It was the reason Alisson Becker was chosen ahead of Caoimhin Kelleher against Tottenham, for example, and with a big game coming on Tuesday, the boss will likely want to get some minutes into those who need them.

As a result, if Szoboszlai is well enough, that could mean that the 24-year-old is something of a surprise starter on Saturday.

From Slot’s point of view it would likely be better to give Szoboszlai a run out to shake off some rustiness against Accrington than to throw him straight in at Forest.

In terms of Quansah, the 21-year-old is surely a nailed-on starter if he is well enough to begin the game.