Liverpool Football Club is facing notable selection issues as they prepare to play Sunderland. Manager Arne Slot must make critical choices regarding player availability, particularly at the right-back position. These challenges stem from a combination of injuries and a player suspension, impacting the team's ability to field its preferred lineup.
The recent defeat to Manchester City has intensified scrutiny on the team's performance and its manager. This upcoming match against Sunderland, who have shown strong form at home, presents a significant test for Liverpool as they aim to regain consistency in the league and potentially secure a Champions League spot.
Player Availability and Tactical Adjustments
Several players are unavailable for the Sunderland fixture, creating a complex situation for manager Arne Slot.
Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for one game following a red card received in the previous match against Manchester City. This absence leaves a void, particularly in midfield and attacking roles.
Joe Gomez is a doubt due to a hip issue, further complicating the right-back selection.
Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Bradley is reported to have a knee problem, Leoni also with a knee issue, and Frimpong with a thigh injury.
Alexander Isak is also out with a leg injury.
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The absence of multiple players, especially at right-back, forces Slot to consider alternative options.
"Arne Slot faces a big decision over who to start at right-back when Liverpool play Sunderland. Joe Gomez remains a fitness doubt, with Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo other options for Slot."
Potential Lineup and Midfield Structure
Despite the absences, key players are expected to feature, with some tactical considerations around the midfield.
Mohamed Salah is anticipated to start on the right side of the attack, seeking to end a scoring drought.
Cody Gakpo is the likely candidate to start on the left wing.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are probable starters in midfield.
Florian Wirtz is also expected to be in the midfield, though concerns about his workload have been highlighted.
If Curtis Jones is not utilized at right-back, he could be deployed in midfield.
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One predicted lineup suggests: Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike. Another source, however, places Szoboszlai in the lineup, which contradicts his suspension.
"Liverpool could be without up to six players for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light."
Defensive Concerns and Right-Back Dilemma
The right-back position appears to be the most significant concern for Liverpool's defense.
With Conor Bradley injured and Joe Gomez doubtful, Slot has limited conventional options.
Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo are being considered as potential stand-ins at right-back.
The team may need to rely on players who are not natural defenders for this role, potentially impacting defensive stability.
"Liverpool need a dominant and inspired display from their chief playmaker against an often stubborn Sunderland defence. Unfortunately for Slot, he has not other alternatives on the right wing."
Sunderland's Home Form
Sunderland presents a challenge with their strong home record.
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Sunderland remains unbeaten at home in the league this season.
This contrasts with Liverpool's recent away form, which has seen them struggle to secure victories. Liverpool has recorded five defeats, three draws, and two wins in their last 10 away matches.
Managerial Pressure and Team Performance
The pressure is reportedly mounting on manager Arne Slot, especially after the recent loss to Manchester City.
The team is seeking to bounce back from an "injury-time defeat."
Liverpool's performances have lacked consistency in the Premier League.
Statistical Overview of Previous Matches
Data from previous games offers some insight into potential outcomes and team tendencies.
| Category | Liverpool (Last 10 Away) | Liverpool (Last 10 Home) | Sunderland (Last 10 Home) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Goals Scored | 1.50 | 1.60 | 2.40 |
| Average Goals Conceded | 1.90 | 0.80 | 1.20 |
| Possession % | 60.20% | 59.00% | 43.60% |
| Wins-Draws-Losses | 2-3-5 | 5-5-0 | 5-5-0 |
Liverpool averages more possession in their games.
Sunderland's home record shows a higher average of goals scored and a lower average of goals conceded compared to Liverpool's away statistics.
Expert Analysis
Insights from sports publications highlight the critical nature of Liverpool's current situation. The reliance on makeshift solutions for key positions, particularly right-back, is a point of concern.
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"The pressure continues to build on Arne Slot and his side as they slipped to an eighth Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon."
The team's quest for consistency is underscored, as is the challenge posed by Sunderland's undefeated home record. The tactical decisions made by Slot in response to player unavailability will be closely observed.
Conclusion
Liverpool faces Sunderland with a significantly depleted squad, marked by the suspension of Dominik Szoboszlai and a considerable number of injured players. The primary tactical puzzle for manager Arne Slot lies in addressing the right-back position due to the unavailability of Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and the doubt surrounding Joe Gomez. Alternative options like Curtis Jones or Wataru Endo are being considered.
The team's recent loss to Manchester City has heightened expectations for a strong response, yet they must overcome Sunderland's impressive home record, where the latter remains undefeated. Statistical data indicates Liverpool's struggles in away fixtures, characterized by a higher number of goals conceded compared to their home games. Sunderland, conversely, demonstrates a robust home performance. The strategic deployment of players and the team's ability to adapt to these selection constraints will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Sources
The Evening Standard: Published 5 minutes ago. Discusses selection dilemmas, particularly at right-back, and mentions Szoboszlai's suspension and injuries to Gomez, Bradley, Leoni, and Isak.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-fc-xi-vs-sunderland-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-premier-league-today-b1270290.html
Sports Mole: Published 2 days ago. Outlines a predicted lineup, Szoboszlai's suspension, and injuries to Isak, Frimpong, Bradley, Leoni, and Gomez.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/predicted-lineups/who-will-replace-suspended-szoboszlai-predicted-liverpool-lineup-vs-sunderland591694.html
Sports Illustrated: Published 2 days ago. Focuses on Szoboszlai's absence and the right-back issues, alongside other injury concerns.
https://www.si.com/soccer/liverpool-xi-vs-sunderland-injury-news-predicted-lineup-2-11-26
OneFootball: Published December 3, 2025. Details a predicted lineup and mentions long-term injuries, including concerns about workload for certain players.
https://onefootball.com/en/news/liverpool-starting-xi-vs-sunderland-confirmed-team-news-and-predicted-lineup-42042687
SportsGambler: Published 8 hours ago. Provides statistical data on past performance, head-to-head, and general team statistics, including predicted lineups and injury status.
https://www.sportsgambler.com/betting-tips/football/sunderland-vs-liverpool-prediction-lineups-odds-2026-02-11/
Squawka (via AOL): Seen on AOL. Highlights the pressure on manager Arne Slot, the team's inconsistency, and the challenges at right-back.
https://www.squawka.com/en/news/liverpool-team-news-vs-sunderland-predicted-xi/
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