"Definitely see him going in the summer" - Fans surprised by Arne Slot's decision to bench Liverpool star for Bayer Leverkusen UCL clash

Liverpool fans are conveying their displeasure on X after Arne Slot dropped Darwin Nunez from the starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen. The two sides are set to face each other in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield later tonight (Tuesday, November 5).

Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal for Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas make up the defense. The midfield comprises Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones. Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo start up front to complete the starting XI.

Diogo Jota will miss out on the matchday squad due to a rib injury. Hence, many fans expected Nunez to retain his spot in the XI due to being the only senior striker available. The Uruguay international hasn't had the best start to the season, having garnered two goals and two assists in 12 appearances across competitions.

However, Slot has entrusted Gakpo to lead the line instead. The Dutchman is in good form, having scored three goals against Brighton & Hove Albion last week over two games across competitions.

One fan reckons Nunez will leave Anfield next summer, as they tweeted:

"Nunez gets dropped when he is literaly our only number 9 . Definitely see him going in the summer isak should be at our club"

Another fan tweeted:

"Bit suprised that Nunez doesn’t start"

Other fans reacted below:

"Not sure what the thinking is of dropping Nunez but I hope it works", one fan commented

"Why not just play Nunez, Gakpo in the middle doesn’t work ffs," another added

"Nunez not starting, replacement incoming," one fan posted

"Why is Nunez on bench," another questioned

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"Probably Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best" - Xabi Alonso previews Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen fixture ahead of Anfield return

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has admitted his side are set to face a big challenge in the shape of Arne Slot's Liverpool later tonight. He also hailed the Reds for currently being one of the best sides in Europe on form.

The Reds are currently leading the Premier League standings with 25 points from 10 games. They have also been flawless in the Champions League, and are second in the table with nine points from three games.

During the pre-match press conference, Alonso previewed the fixture and said (via Liverpool's official website):

"We have a big one with great players from both sides, from Liverpool and from us as well. Really looking forward to that. For us, it’s a big challenge to come here. Probably Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best, teams in Europe."

He added:

"They are showing that in the Champions League, they are showing that in a very, very strong Premier League. A good squad, a good coach. Playing at Anfield is a big challenge but I think all of us are looking forward to it, for sure the players, and let’s see what happens tomorrow."

Alonso and Co. will be aiming to end the Reds' unbeaten run in the Champions League. Leverkusen remain a massive threat, having won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal unbeaten last season. They are currently fourth in the league with 16 points from nine games and sixth in the UCL with seven points from three games.