Liverpool are in need of a big win against Sunderland this week to get their Premier League form back on track
Liverpool have a big match coming up against Sunderland which frustratingly, will not move them up any higher in the Premier League table regardless of result.
With Chelsea four points ahead, the Reds will remain in sixth place after the midweek games even if they win and the west London side lose. They could however, be overtaken by Everton, who are currently just two points behind their Merseyside rivals.
Arne Slot must make key changes for Liverpool vs Sunderland clash
While Slot has the big decision to make on who he will deploy at right-back, he must also consider his options in attack.
Mohamed Salah’s season continues to frustrate fans as the Man City defeat marked his seventh Premier League game without a goal. The Egyptian provided an assist in both games against Bournemouth and Newcastle but he struggled to get into his groove on Sunday.
Cody Gakpo is also a figure who has been struggling for consistency this season. With just one goal-scoring contribution in his last ten Premier League games, Slot must consider switching up the front three to avoid disappointment against Sunderland.
Liverpool attacking options against Sunderland
Florian Wirtz could immediately take Gakpo’s place on the left-wing this week. The German has been deployed there several times already this season and managed to pick up an assist and a goal in consecutive wins against Tottenham and Wolves.
Alternatively, Rio Ngumoha could be given the opportunity to start. The youngster is eager to prove himself and this could be the perfect chance for him to make a splash.
This week’s game will open up at least one vacant midfield spot, with Szoboszlai missing the trip to the Stadium of Light. Curtis Jones will likely get the nod against Sunderland, having had limited starts so far this season.
Slot needs to start experimenting with the options he has at his disposal or these frustrating results will end up costing him dearly. Liverpool have reportedly made it clear that Champions League qualification is the minimum requirement for this season.
With Gakpo struggling to influence direct goal-scoring opportunities recently and the Reds in urgent need of points, Slot can’t afford to play safe. He must roll the dice on new combinations to push their chances of maximising their points between now and the end of the season.
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