Arne Slot has thrown a major curveball in his Liverpool starting lineup ahead of the clash vs Sunderland. He makes two changes from Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
The Reds boss has been forced into a significant defensive reshuffle as his side arrives at the Stadium of Light looking to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
In what is undoubtedly the headline selection, Wataru Endo makes his first Premier League start of the campaign in an unfamiliar right-back role. The Japan captain finds himself drafted into the backline as the reds grapple with a burgeoning injury crisis.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who deputised there during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, serves a one-match ban following his late dismissal. With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both sidelined with long-term injuries, and Joe Gomez only fit enough for the bench following a hip problem, Endo gets the nod ahead of youngster Calvin Ramsay.
It is a bold move that emphasises the manager’s preference for reliable heads in a match where Liverpool must dismantle the top flight’s only remaining unbeaten home record.
Milestone for Alisson
Between the posts, Alisson Becker reaches a significant personal landmark this evening as he makes his 250th Premier League appearance for the club. The Brazilian will be eager to mark the occasion with a clean sheet. He wants to put behind him a rare and costly error at Anfield last time out.
He lines up behind a defense that sees Andy Robertson return at left-back, replacing Milos Kerkez. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk maintain their partnership in the heart of the back four.
The pressure on this defensive unit is immense given the context of the season. Liverpool currently sits in sixth place. While results elsewhere yesterday favoured their pursuit of Champions League football, a failure to win tonight would feel like a significant missed opportunity.
Sunderland, currently enjoying a fairytale first season back in the Premier League, would move level on points with the Reds with a victory. This would further complicate the race for Europe.
Wirtz and Ekitike lead the charge
Further forward, Slot has maintained the attacking firepower that has been a rare bright spot in a subpar campaign. January’s Player of the Month, Florian Wirtz, continues in the playmaker role. He looks to link up with Hugo Ekitike, who has already netted 15 goals since his summer arrival.
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo provide the width in an unchanged supporting line. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister provide the midfield engine.
The bench offers some cause for optimism with Joe Gomez returning to the matchday squad. He is joined by Federico Chiesa and the highly-rated youngster Rio Ngumoha.
However, the story of the night remains the inclusion of Endo in a makeshift defense. Slot clearly values the 33-year-old’s discipline to combat Sunderland’s direct wing play. It remains to be seen if the veteran can adapt quickly enough to avoid being exposed in an “unnatural” position.
Confirmed Liverpool XI: Alisson; Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
