Liverpool Starting XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Sunderland: Injury Latest and Selection Decisions Under Slot

Liverpool travel to the Stadium of Light facing a delicate balancing act between short-term results and longer-term squad management, with injuries and suspensions once again shaping Arne Slot’s thinking. The Reds’ preparations for this Premier League fixture have been complicated by fitness concerns, forcing the head coach into key decisions across defence and midfield.

With Champions League qualification still within reach and little margin for error, Slot’s predicted lineup reflects both necessity and tactical compromise. This latest team news offers insight into how Liverpool are likely to approach the contest against an in-form Sunderland side.

Photo: IMAGO

Predicted Lineup Reflects Defensive Uncertainty

Liverpool’s predicted XI suggests a system built around stability rather than experimentation. Slot is expected to stick with a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, despite the ongoing issues at full-back.

Alisson is set to continue in goal, providing leadership behind a makeshift defence. Curtis Jones is again likely to be deployed at right-back, a position he has filled intermittently this season due to injuries elsewhere. Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk remain the preferred central partnership, while Milos Kerkez is expected to retain his place on the left.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are tipped to operate as the double pivot, offering balance between ball progression and defensive cover. Further forward, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo are set to support Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to lead the line.

This projected selection underlines how Liverpool’s predicted lineup is being shaped as much by availability as by preference, with Slot prioritising reliability in key areas.

Injury Latest Continues to Influence Selection

Liverpool’s injury list remains a significant factor in team selection. Jeremie Frimpong continues his recovery and is unavailable, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak remain sidelined with longer-term issues.

Joe Gomez is a major doubt after missing recent matches, having only recently returned to light training. Slot has publicly acknowledged that his fitness is being monitored closely, with no guarantees over his readiness to start. This uncertainty explains why Jones is again being considered in a defensive role.

Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended following his recent red card, further reducing Slot’s midfield options. With limited alternatives, the manager has been forced to rely heavily on Mac Allister and Gravenberch, both of whom have logged heavy minutes this season.

The injury latest also limits rotation, increasing the risk of fatigue as Liverpool navigate a congested fixture schedule. For Slot, managing workloads while maintaining competitiveness has become one of the defining challenges of his first campaign.

Midfield Balance Central to Liverpool Approach

Without Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s midfield structure takes on added importance. Mac Allister’s role as the primary organiser is likely to be central, with Gravenberch offering vertical running and physical presence alongside him.

Ahead of them, Wirtz is expected to operate between the lines, providing creativity and link-up play with Salah and Gakpo. This trio will be tasked with breaking down a Sunderland side that has proved resilient at home this season.

Slot’s tactical emphasis has consistently focused on controlled possession and structured pressing. With limited defensive cover at full-back, the midfield will be required to offer additional protection, particularly in transition.

This dynamic explains why the predicted lineup favours technically secure players who can retain the ball under pressure. It also reflects Slot’s broader philosophy of minimising risk in key zones, especially away from home.

Slot Prioritises Stability Amid Fixture Pressure

With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, stability has become a priority. Rather than rotating heavily, Slot appears committed to maintaining continuity within his core group, even when injuries restrict his options.

The Evening Standard’s report highlighted how the manager has already used several players at right-back this season, underlining the extent of the disruption caused by fitness issues. This lack of consistency has inevitably affected defensive cohesion.

Despite this, Liverpool’s recent performances suggest growing tactical maturity under Slot. The integration of Wirtz and Ekitike has added fluency in attack, while Van Dijk’s leadership continues to anchor the back line.

Looking ahead, this match represents more than just three points. It is another test of Liverpool’s resilience and adaptability in a season defined by transition. The predicted lineup reflects a side still finding equilibrium, balancing ambition with pragmatism.

As injuries persist and suspensions take their toll, Slot’s ability to navigate these challenges will play a decisive role in shaping Liverpool’s campaign.