
After a much-needed 2–0 win at West Ham, where Florian Wirtz finally looked like the world-class player Liverpool paid for and Alexander Isak opened his league account for the club, the Reds return to Anfield bearing a slightly lighter mood. Joe Gomez impressed at right-back, showing the kind of reliable performance that has been missing for weeks; Wirtz controlled the tempo and opened eyes; and the clean sheet was a relief. But this is football’s relentless calendar: Sunderland arrive tonight at Anfield still flying high in mid-table and packed with belief. For Arne Slot, tonight isn’t a free hit, it’s another chance to cement momentum before the schedule tightens further.
Liverpool host Sunderland midweek, aiming to follow up Sunday’s win with another disciplined performance at Anfield. Sunderland have been one of the surprises of the season, with disciplined structure, work rate and impressive results, and Slot has emphasised the challenge that brings.
Liverpool’s recent win at West Ham offered a lifeline; tonight is about proving it wasn’t a one-off. Sunderland’s intensity and tactical organisation present a stern test, one that requires Liverpool to combine authority with balance if they want to secure three points.
The Manager has largely stuck with a core structure, especially in defence and midfield, so there has been consistency in selection where fitness allows. The back line has been anchored by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, even as Konate’s form has raised eyebrows. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have formed the centre engine, tasked with balance between protection and progression. Up front, Wirtz has begun to find rhythm and Isak’s goal relief at West Ham could boost confidence going forward.
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