"Why is Slot not playing him", "Why bench him???" - Liverpool fans surprised by star's exclusion from XI for Brighton clash

Liverpool fans on X have questioned Arne Slot after the Dutchman dropped Luis Diaz from the starting XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion. The two sides are set to face off in their Premier League clash at Anfield later today (Saturday, November 2).

Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal for Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas make up the defense. The midfield consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez start up front to complete the starting XI, with Diaz being named on the bench.

Diaz has been a threat this season under Slot, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions. The Colombian was also benched midweek during the Reds' 3-2 win against Brighton in the EFL Cup Round of 16 but netted the team's third goal late in the second half (85').

However, Gakpo has been preferred to start down the left wing. The Dutchman scored a delightful brace against the Seagulls in the same game and will be hoping to make an impact in his third league start of the season.

One fan posted:

"Why is slot not playing Diaz I think he is been sentimental because he is not from the Netherland"

Other fan reactions can be viewed below:

"Why’s he keep starting gakpo over Diaz ffs," one fan tweeted.

"Diaz dropped again," another commented.

"Why bench Diaz???" another questioned.

"Surprised to see Diaz on the bench," one fan admitted.

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"They’re a little bit porous" - Mark Lawrenson makes score prediction for Liverpool vs Brighton PL fixture

Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has backed the Reds to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion in their upcoming Premier League clash.

The Reds have made positive strides under Arne Slot's tutelage and are currently second in the league with 22 points from nine games, one point behind leaders Manchester City. They held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw last weekend and most recently defeated Brighton 3-2 in the EFL Cup.

Brighton, meanwhile, have been a threat this season and are sixth with 16 points. They also have an excellent record at Anfield, having earned five points from their last four visits, winning one game, drawing two, losing one and scoring nine goals.

Lawrenson wrote (via Paddy Power News):

"Liverpool beat Brighton in the week but both sides changed their teams around. Everyone’s happy at Liverpool, even the ones who aren’t starting, because they’re getting minutes on the pitch. Brighton are a good side but they’re a little bit porous and if you go to Anfield and play with a high line then good luck!"

Lawrenson's Prediction: 3-1