Liverpool’s start to the new year fell flat of expectations, and now a tough test awaits on the road at Fulham, which could prompt the return of an Arne Slot favourite.
For the first time under Slot, Liverpool saw out a goalless draw to see the same questions asked about what this side’s identity is, with intensity no longer on the scene.
While Slot has needed to call on academy players for his bench, he could head to Fulham with only three senior players on the injury list, with Joe Gomez expected back in training.
After three changes on New Year’s Day, there could be a similar outcome at Fulham with a change in every department.
With that in mind, here’s how the Reds could line up on Sunday.
Team News: Gomez expected back in training
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs. Fulham
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Alexis Mac Allister on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The notable exclusion from the lineup this weekend could be Wirtz after Slot revealed the German had trained once in the lead-up to Leeds‘ visit after a hamstring complaint.
He has started seven of the last eight games and with Cody Gakpo now back to fitness and with two appearances off the bench, he would be the obvious player to take over on the left.
While unlikely to be a unanimously popular decision, Slot favours the Dutchman and he could return to a forward line alongside Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike.
Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister came off the bench against Leeds and will be in contention to start, which would drop Andy Robertson and likely Curtis Jones out of the XI.
The three changes from Thursday would look like this:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Gakpo, Ekitike
The other option for Slot could be to utilise Dominik Szoboszlai on the right of the attack with Mac Allister sitting in the No. 10 position.
This would then see Gakpo start on the left, if Wirtz is ‘rested’, with Ryan Gravenberch and Jones sitting at the base of midfield.
The exclusion of Frimpong must also be considered as he has played 204 of the last 270 minutes since his return from a 12-game absence with a hamstring injury. He has to be protected.
That would then see the Reds line up like this:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Ekitike
Liverpool will be tested at Fulham, who are fifth in the Premier League‘s form table thanks to three wins and a draw in their last four games.
While the Reds are unbeaten in the last eight in all competitions, their performances have been less than inspiring and the mood is unlikely to lift until a path forward from Slot becomes clear.