'Maybe': Paul Merson says Arne Slot could be about to give a big 'sign' with his starting XI vs Brighton

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Liverpool prepare to lock horns with Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow as they aim to continue their strong start under Arne Slot.

Having just beaten the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium in midweek, the Reds will now look to continue their Premier League challenge when Fabian Hurzeler’s side come to Anfield tomorrow.

Slot has refrained from making too many changes to his starting XI in his tenure so far, but Paul Merson feels Liverpool fans should keep an eye out for a ‘sign’ when the team sheet is announced tomorrow.

Paul Merson weights in on Liverpool-Andy Robertson conundrum

Andy Robertson has blown hot and cold this season but has started each of Liverpool’s last two games in all competitions.

Kostas Tsimikas has also had his fair share of questions this season and that has led to questions on whether the Greek international is edging closer to becoming a guaranteed starter.

While Merson admits that isn’t the case yet, he feels Slot’s intentions will become a lot clearer if Tsimikas is preferred to Robertson for the Premier League clash against Brighton.

"I'm not sure if Kostas Tsimikas has now replaced Andy Robertson as the first-choice left-back at Liverpool,” wrote Merson in his column for Sportskeeda.

“Robertson struggled against Arsenal, but the fact is that Bukayo Saka can do that to any defender in this league!

“Maybe Arne Slot going back to Robertson for the cup game against Brighton was for him to get some confidence. If Tsimikas gets into the starting XI this weekend, then that could be a sign of things to come."

Speaking ahead of the game at a press conference, Slot confirmed that Tsimikas and Robertson will continue to fight it out for a spot in the Liverpool team, adding that the left-back battle is no different from the competition for places other players face at the club.

Robertson vs Tsimikas stats this season

Tsimikas has started just one Premier League game this season – the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace last month – but was preferred to Robertson in two of Liverpool’s three UEFA Champions League games.

However, Robertson has played twice as many minutes as Tsimikas under the new manager, which is a clear sign that he’s trusted.

That said, amid his recent run of form, his place in the starting XI is hardly a foregone conclusion, especially with Tsimikas breathing down his neck.