Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland: Slot to Make Major Salah Decision

Liverpool stepped into another cold December night carrying heavy emotions — shaken confidence, rising pressure, and a fan base worn down by two weeks of painful results at Anfield. A stadium once viewed as an unbreakable fortress had suddenly become a place where shocking defeats unfolded. Nottingham Forest had humiliated them. PSV Eindhoven arrived next and delivered another stunning blow, leaving supporters and pundits questioning what had happened to the defending champions. Liverpool were not supposed to collapse at home — not under the floodlights, not in front of the Kop, not after spending £446 million to rebuild the squad, and certainly not under Arne Slot, a manager brought in for structure, authority, and success. But football doesn’t care about transfer fees or expectations. It only answers to mentality, hunger, and clarity — qualities Liverpool failed to show in those losses.

Now Sunderland were coming to Anfield, offering a chance at redemption. On paper, it looked like a straightforward win. But this wasn’t the time for arrogance. It was a moment for humility and restoration — and everyone in the club understood that.

Nothing, however, drew more attention than the situation surrounding Mohamed Salah. The club’s talisman had been dropped against West Ham — not for rest, not for injury, but simply left out. He never warmed up, never stepped onto the pitch, and his expression on the sidelines sparked endless speculation. Was Slot sending a message? Punishing him? Managing fitness? Every corner of Liverpool’s online community had its own theory. Even though Liverpool won 2–0 with improved energy and control, Salah’s absence overshadowed the victory. Slot would now face the questions he avoided that night, especially with Sunderland approaching. This match wasn’t just about three points; it was about restoring identity, reconnecting with the home crowd, and deciding whether Salah would return to the starting XI.

The squad felt stretched — not from internal conflict, but from an unforgiving schedule and enormous expectations. Four matches in ten days. A winter period offering no time to breathe. Slot knew rotation was essential. After spending £446 million, depth was no longer an excuse.

Alisson, relieved after a calmer performance at West Ham, was ready to start again. Clean sheets weren’t just statistics; they were psychological boosts for the whole team.

At right back, Slot planned to rotate. Joe Gomez had been solid but was managing minor fitness concerns. To avoid risking him, Slot turned again to Dominik Szoboszlai in the hybrid right-back role he had surprisingly excelled in earlier this season. Bradley and Frimpong were nearing returns but weren’t ready to start.

In central defense, Konaté was beginning to regain focus after a summer unsettled by transfer rumours. Beside him, Van Dijk — still stung by his disastrous previous Anfield outing — sought redemption. The opponent didn’t matter; pride did.

On the left, Robertson returned after Kerkez’s run of starts. Robertson had been the more reliable performer, and Slot trusted him to steady the flank.

Midfield demanded discipline. Gravenberch needed to protect the defense against Sunderland’s counterattacks, while Alexis Mac Allister — improving after an inconsistent start to the season — would be crucial in controlling the tempo.

Then came the big decision: Salah was returning to the XI. Slot knew that leaving him out again would ignite chaos, and with a packed schedule ahead, Liverpool needed their superstar on the pitch.

Behind the striker, Florian Wirtz kept his place after producing his best performance yet for Liverpool, bringing creativity, elegance, and control to the attack.

On the left, Cody Gakpo also retained his role. With a goal and an assist in the previous match, he had become Liverpool’s most productive attacker of the season, and his confidence was rising.

Up front, Hugo Ekitiké started. Slot wanted to protect Isak — who had just scored his first Premier League goal — with heavy rotation ahead.

The lineup was ready. The stakes were clear. For Liverpool, this match wasn’t just about football. It was about standing up after embarrassment, rebuilding trust, and proving the champions still lived inside the badge. As the lights of Anfield prepared to glow again, the mission was simple: restore pride, restore control, restore belief.