Liverpool’s busy schedule continues with the visit of the impressive newly-promoted Sunderland, which could see Arne Slot make a few changes as he manages the fitness of up to four players.
The trip to West Ham was a much-needed success, with a clean sheet and three points lifting some of the dark clouds after a torrid three defeats in succession.
Slot made bold decisions on Sunday by dropping Mohamed Salah and naming Florian Wirtz in his XI at the first time of asking after his injury.
• READ: LFC vs. Sunderland: Key battle named involving “best footballer we’ve ever had”
The quick nature of Liverpool’s schedule, however, suggests that changes beckon, especially for those who are currently having their fitness and minutes managed.
Liverpool Team News vs. West Ham: Injuries & changes hinted
Liverpool have no new injuries from the weekend, but this is what we know:
Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Sunderland
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Wirtz, Gomez and Isak were all named by Slot as players who would need to be monitored heading into the match, as while they can be involved in all three games this week, the full 90 minutes is unlikely.
With that in mind, Slot could look to keep consistency on the right side of defence by retaining Gomez, with Andy Robertson injected on the left after Kerkez’s cramp complaint following three successive starts.
Wirtz and Isak, meanwhile, could be the ones managed after Slot conceded he took a “risk” with the German over the weekend, and the latter had a minor complaint of cramp.
This would see Hugo Ekitike return to the lineup as well as Salah, shifting Dominik Szboszlai back into the No. 10 role at Anfield:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
The other option that Slot could consider may involve naming Curtis Jones at right-back if Gomez cannot back up after three days, and he is preferred to start at Leeds.
With Alexis Mac Allister playing three 90 minutes in a row for the first time since April, he could shift to the bench for a midfield three of Ryan Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Wirtz.
If Isak was fit to start there could be an argument to utilise both him and Ekitike up front, but with the Frenchman playing less over the last three games (118 minutes vs. 165), it may be deemed wise to give him the opportunity:
Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
There are unlikely to be major changes to Slot’s lineup, especially after a valuable win, with tweaks likely in response to fitness management.
Liverpool are not expecting any player back for this fixture, which will be a test of their resolve as Sunderland have proved they have the resilience to retain their Premier League status.
The first goal is key as Liverpool have won all 10 after opening the scoring; conversely, they have lost nine of the 10 matches in which they have conceded first.