"Why tf is he not starting" - Liverpool fans 'really surprised' by star man's omission from starting XI for Bologna clash

Liverpool fans are conveying their frustration on X after Arne Slot opted to exclude Cody Gakpo from the starting XI to face Bologna. The two sides are set to face each other in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield later tonight (Wednesday, October 2).

The Reds will be hoping to maintain their momentum in the UCL after winning their opening fixture 3-1 against AC Milan. They are currently 13th in the standings with three points.

Alisson Becker starts in goal for Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson make up the defense. The midfield consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez start up front to complete the first XI.

With Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa missing out due to injury, many fans expected Gakpo to start instead of being on the bench. The Dutchman has only started two games out of his eight appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

One fan reacted:

"Why tf is gakpo not starting"

Check out how other fans reacted to Gakpo's omission from Liverpool's starting XI:

"No gakpo? Very surprised by that," one fan commented

"Really thought gakpo would've started," another added

"Thought this was the most obvious Gakpo start ngl," one fan posted

"Gakpo should’ve started it but I’m okay with Diaz," one fan admitted

"Why is Gakpo on the bench???" another questioned

"He must be really pissed, he’s putting up great performances that would make him a starter for other big clubs and that shows him appreciation," one fan pointed out

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"The other teams have got more cover" - Danny Murphy explains why he believes Liverpool won't win the title this season

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes the Reds may struggle to win the 2024-25 Premier League title due to their lack of depth in defense compared to their rivals.

Arne Slot has made an exceptional start to his tenure as head coach this season. The Merseysiders are currently at the summit of the league table with 15 points from six games, one point above Manchester City and Arsenal.

On talkSPORT, Murphy was asked by Jim White if his former club would be challenging for the title at the end of the season, to which the former replied (via Rousing the Kop):

“I think they’ll be there or thereabouts. I’m not sure they’ll have just enough to get over the line. My concern for Liverpool is defensively if they get an injury. If Virgil [van Dijk] gets an injury, that would be my concern, whereas the other teams have got more cover.”

White then asked:

“Yes or no, will they win the title?”

To which Murphy responded:

“I don’t think so, no. I hope so, but I don’t think so.”

The Reds next face Crystal Palace in the league at Selhurst Park on Saturday, October 5.