Slot Can Quiet Critics by Reigniting Liverpool’s Title Push

Last season’s success, combined with the massive summer transfer window outlay, has only increased the pressure on Slot to deliver this season.

It appears that the honeymoon period is over. Slot must now prove that he is the right man for the long term at one of Europe’s biggest and most storied clubs.

Some supporters have begun voicing the opinion that Slot only enjoyed initial success because of the squad that his predecessor Jurgen Klopp assembled.

The squad is also dealing with the heartache of losing beloved teammate and sparkplug forward Diogo Jota, who perished alongside his brother Andre Silva in a tragic car accident in July.

Jota was a unique character who lifted the dressing room with his upbeat personality. The Portuguese international served as a versatile attacker who scored important and timely goals.

Incredibly, Liverpool never suffered a defeat in the 52 matches in which Jota scored. The Reds won 43 matches and drew nine games when Jota bulged the old onion bag. Sixteen of his goals were between the 76th and 90th minutes.

Injuries Are a Factor, but Liverpool Must Kick on Now

Expectations were heightened ahead of the 2025-26 season after Liverpool acquired club record £125 million striker Alexander Isak, £100 million attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, and £69 million forward Hugo Ekitike to revamp the attack.

Isak and midfielder Curtis Jones are both dealing with groin injuries and are ruled out for Saturday’s match.

In more positive news for the Reds, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch returned to training and is in contention to start against The Villans after recovering from an ankle injury. 

First-choice Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and right back Jeremie Frimpong are both dealing with hamstring injuries. Frimpong is out until at least early December, while Alisson hinted on Instagram that he is closing in on returning to his usual place between the sticks. 

Aston Villa enters Anfield riding a four-game winning streak. They will be spurred on by Brentford netting three times against Liverpool last weekend.

Yet, Villa have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. Aston Villa have only scored nine times through nine Premier League matches.

Given that Slot has a strong starting XI available for selection and the Anfield roar behind him, this could be the match where Liverpool recaptures their attacking edge and ruthlessness in the opposition box.