Liverpool will be desperate to halt their recent slump when they host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Reds’ 3–2 defeat to Brentford over the weekend marked their fifth loss in six games, increasing the pressure on new manager Arne Slot as he looks to steady a struggling side.
Defensive Worries Mount
Former Newcastle and West Ham boss Alan Pardew has taken aim at Liverpool’s defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, claiming the two “look like players who’ve fallen out.” Defensive vulnerability has become a growing issue under Arne Slot, with the Reds conceding 21 goals in just 14 games this season. Alarmingly, they’ve let in two or more goals in eight of those matches and have been breached after the 75th minute on eight separate occasions — a worrying reflection of fatigue and lapses in focus late in games.
Ferdinand Questions Díaz Departure
Elsewhere, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on Liverpool’s summer decision to sell Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he argued that replacing the Colombian winger with Cody Gakpo represented a step backward for the club.
“There’s no way Gakpo is better than Díaz,” Ferdinand said. “Díaz is a top player — selling him doesn’t make sense. Have they brought in anyone stronger? I don’t see it.”
Díaz vs. Gakpo: The Numbers
Since completing his £65 million switch to Bayern, Díaz has made a bright start — seven goals and four assists in 13 appearances. Gakpo, meanwhile, has also been fairly effective for Liverpool, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 13 games this season, after finishing last campaign with 18 goals and six assists in 49 outings.
Despite Gakpo’s contribution, Ferdinand believes Liverpool’s attacking balance has suffered since Díaz’s exit.
“They don’t look settled,” he added. “The new signings and tactical tweaks have thrown them off rhythm.”
As Liverpool gear up for their Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace, Arne Slot faces mounting scrutiny over his side’s defensive structure, attacking cohesion, and overall identity. Wednesday’s match at Anfield could prove decisive in rebuilding both confidence and momentum among the players and supporters.
