Arne Slot took a huge gamble against Eintracht: he benched Mohamed Salah and started Florian Wirtz on the right, Salah’s usual territory. It paid off instantly.
Wirtz delivered two assists in four minutes, setting up Szoboszlai and Gakpo, and the entire attack suddenly looked electric. The movement was sharper, the pressing tighter, and the transitions more fluid. Liverpool played with a kind of freedom and unpredictability that’s been missing for a while.
It wasn’t just Wirtz’s end product, it was his intelligence. He drifted inside to overload the midfield, linked beautifully with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, and gave Gakpo constant service. You could feel the chemistry clicking in real time.
Meanwhile, Salah, still the club’s most iconic figure of the modern era, sat watching from the bench. Slot’s decision will definitely raise eyebrows, but it also sparks a bigger question.
Has the post-Salah era quietly begun at Anfield?
Is this just rotation to keep Salah fresh, or is Slot genuinely reimagining Liverpool’s front line without him? And if Wirtz keeps producing like this, does Salah automatically walk back into the XI, or are we seeing the first real evolution of the post-Klopp, post-Salah Liverpool?
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has had a turbulent few weeks at Anfield. His side entered Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt under growing pressure after losing four consecutive matches in all competitions, their worst run since Brendan Rodgers’ tenure back in November 2014. That stretch included a painful 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United last weekend.
Despite a heavy summer investment of around £450 million in new signings, the Reds have struggled for rhythm this season, particularly in defence. Their back line was breached again in Frankfurt — the 18th goal conceded in 13 matches — but what followed was a reminder of Liverpool’s attacking power.
After Hugo Ekitike equalised against his former club, Liverpool roared back in style. Goals from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a resounding 5-1 win — their biggest victory since they beat Tottenham by the same scoreline in April.
That result steadied the ship somewhat, leaving Liverpool with six points from three Champions League games. But domestically, the reigning champions have slipped to third place in the Premier League table after three defeats in their opening eight matches (W5, L3). They now sit four points behind leaders Arsenal, having fallen to Manchester United, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace.
The Reds will be desperate to avoid an unwanted record — they haven’t lost four straight league games since February 2021. However, history offers little comfort: Liverpool have been beaten in five of their last eight away league fixtures and have lost each of their last four trips to London, a run they last endured back in 1970.
Adding to their frustration, Liverpool’s recent defeats have all come in familiar fashion. Once famous for late goals, they’ve now lost three straight Premier League games to strikes conceded in the final 10 minutes — despite equalising in each of those matches. No team in Premier League history has ever lost four in a row in such circumstances.
Brentford, meanwhile, head into the weekend with renewed confidence after earning a 2-0 win over West Ham United on Monday — their first away victory under new head coach Keith Andrews.
The Bees were in control throughout that clash, registering 15 shots before Igor Thiago opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Mathias Jensen then sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike to lift Brentford to their third Premier League win of the season.
That result leaves the London side 13th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone and five behind Liverpool. Andrews will now aim to guide his team to back-to-back league wins for the first time since last spring, when they enjoyed a run of four straight victories between April and May.
Home form, however, remains a concern. Brentford have won just five of their last 16 matches at the Gtech Community Stadium across all competitions this year (D4 L7), though they’ve already notched up three home wins in 2025 — including a 3-1 triumph over Manchester United in late September.
Historically, the Bees have found it tough against Liverpool. After managing a win and a draw from their first three Premier League meetings, they’ve since lost five in a row to the Reds by a combined score of 12-1.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Brentford will be without Antoni Milambo and Paris Maghoma for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, as both players continue their recovery from respective ACL and thigh injuries. Aaron Hickey remains a doubt after missing the win over West Ham with a knee knock and will face a late fitness test ahead of kickoff.
Head coach Keith Andrews has shown a preference for a back-five system with wing-backs in high-profile matches this season — including against Chelsea and Manchester City and could stick with that setup once again. Keane Lewis-Potter is pushing for a recall on the left flank, potentially taking up the wing-back role.
Two familiar faces could feature against their former club, with Caoimhin Kelleher expected to start in goal and Jordan Henderson lining up in midfield. Up front, the Bees’ top scorer Igor Thiago, who has already netted five Premier League goals this season, should lead the attack alongside either Kevin Schade or Dango Ouattara.
On the Liverpool side, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak are both unlikely to feature after suffering hamstring and groin injuries respectively during the midweek victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Alisson Becker (hamstring) remain sidelined, while Ryan Gravenberch could return to the squad after recovering from a minor ankle problem that kept him out of the trip to Germany.
Manager Arne Slot faces a major selection dilemma in attack. Mohamed Salah is pushing for a recall despite struggling for form, the Egyptian has now gone seven league matches without a goal from open play. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz, who has started three of the last four Premier League games on the bench, made a strong case for inclusion after providing two assists in the 5-1 win over Frankfurt.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS Brentford possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Collins, Van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea will aim to move into the Premier League’s top four when they host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
This meeting marks the first time the two sides have faced each other since May 2017, when Antonio Conte’s Chelsea came from behind to crush the Black Cats 5-1 on the final day of that Premier League season.
Chelsea come into this weekend in fine form. Since a 3-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in late September, the Blues have gone on a four-game winning streak across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two.
Enzo Maresca’s young side have shown growing confidence, following up victories against Benfica (1-0), Liverpool (2-1), and Nottingham Forest (3-0) with a dominant 5-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night. That game made history, as Chelsea became the first team ever in the competition to have three teenagers Marc Guiu, Estevão, and Tyrique George all score in the same match.
Maresca’s commitment to youth continues to define Chelsea’s season. Against Ajax, 10 players aged 21 or younger featured for the Blues. In the Premier League, they currently boast the youngest average starting lineup (24 years and 116 days) and remain the only club yet to use a player over 28 this season.
Sitting fifth in the table with four wins, two draws, and two defeats, Chelsea have been especially strong at home. They’ve played five of their last six matches at Stamford Bridge, where they’ve collected 33 league points in 2025 — only Manchester City (34) have earned more. Their lone home defeat this year was that setback against Brighton.
The Blues have also enjoyed a strong record against Sunderland, winning 61 of their 125 all-time meetings and each of their last three home league games against the Black Cats by an aggregate score of 11-3.
On the other side, Sunderland have made an impressive return to the Premier League. With 14 points from their first eight matches, it’s their best start to a top-flight campaign since the 1999–2000 season, when they also tallied 14 points at this stage.
After a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United before the international break, the Black Cats bounced back last weekend with a 2-0 home win over Wolves. Nordi Mukiele opened the scoring in the first half before an own goal sealed the points at the Stadium of Light.
Currently seventh in the standings, Sunderland are showing they can hold their own after eight years out of the Premier League. They sit just two points behind Manchester City in second and nine clear of the relegation zone — an impressive feat for a newly promoted side.
Head coach Régis Le Bris knows his team faces a tough challenge at Stamford Bridge but believes his players are ready. Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 13 away league matches against London opposition (four wins and nine draws) since a 2-1 defeat at Fulham in April 2018 — the longest such run in the club’s history.
However, history isn’t on their side when it comes to facing Chelsea. Sunderland have beaten the Blues only three times in their last 26 Premier League meetings (two draws and 21 losses) — a far cry from their early record between 1996 and 2001, when they won four of their first six encounters.
With both teams brimming with confidence, Saturday’s clash at Stamford Bridge promises to be an intriguing battle — one between a youthful Chelsea side looking to break into the top four, and a fearless Sunderland outfit determined to keep their remarkable start going.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Chelsea will be forced to make several changes ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.
Right-back Malo Gusto is suspended following his red card in last weekend’s win over Nottingham Forest. The Blues are also missing a number of key players through injury and suspension, including Cole Palmer (groin), Liam Delap (hamstring), Levi Colwill (ACL), Dario Essugo (thigh), Benoît Badiashile (muscle), and Mykhaylo Mudryk, who remains unavailable due to a doping ban.
There is, however, some good news for manager Enzo Maresca, as captain Reece James is expected to return at right-back. His comeback should allow Moises Caicedo to move back into his preferred midfield role alongside Enzo Fernández, with the in-form Estevão likely to continue as the creative spark in the number 10 position.
Up front, João Pedro, who missed the midweek Champions League win through suspension, is available again and could replace Marc Guiu, the former Sunderland loanee. Pedro Neto should keep his place on the wing, while Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are competing for the final attacking spot.
On the Sunderland side, manager Régis Le Bris also has injury concerns to contend with. Omar Alderete will miss out due to concussion protocols, while Habib Diarra (groin), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Aji Alese (shoulder), and Leo Hjelde (Achilles) all remain sidelined.
The visitors are boosted by the return of Reinildo Mandava, who has completed a three-match suspension and is expected to reclaim his spot at left-back. His return should allow Nordi Mukiele to shift into central defence alongside Daniel Ballard in Alderete’s absence.
Chemsdine Talbi, who made a lively impact off the bench against Wolves, is pushing for a starting berth on the right flank, potentially in place of former Chelsea winger Bertrand Traoré. Meanwhile, Enzo Le Fée is likely to operate from the left wing, with Wilson Isidor continuing to lead the line for the Black Cats.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Pedro
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Reinildo; Rigg, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee
Premier League leaders Arsenal will be looking to extend their red-hot form when they host struggling Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta’s side are flying high after six straight wins in all competitions, while Oliver Glasner’s men are battling to regain their footing, having failed to win any of their last three games in both domestic and European competition.
Set pieces have become one of Arsenal’s most dangerous weapons under specialist coach Nicolas Jover, and their ability to capitalize on them once again made the difference in last weekend’s narrow London derby against Fulham.
Leandro Trossard scored from close range to give the Gunners a 1-0 victory, marking their 10th set-piece goal in just eight Premier League games this season — the fastest any team has ever reached double figures from dead-ball situations in league history.
The win kept Arsenal on top of the Premier League, now sitting above a wounded Liverpool, with Manchester City trailing closely by three points. Another clean sheet this weekend would see Arteta’s team match a unique record — becoming only the second side to go three consecutive Premier League matches without facing a single shot on target, a feat last achieved by City in 2014.
During their 4-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid in midweek, goalkeeper David Raya had little to do, as Arsenal showed their dominance in open play to complement their set-piece success.
At the other end, Crystal Palace also needed a dead-ball to salvage a result last weekend. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 97th-minute penalty earned the Eagles a 3-3 draw against Bournemouth, capping off a dramatic match that saw the French striker score a hat-trick.
In doing so, Mateta joined an elite group of French players — Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry — as only the third to record multiple Premier League hat-tricks. However, he could have had a fourth goal but missed a late chance to seal the win.
That result was followed by a disappointing midweek defeat in Europe, as Palace fell 1-0 to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League, with Jaydee Canvot’s error proving costly and a number of missed chances compounding their misery.
Once unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions, Glasner’s side have now lost two of their last three and appear to be losing their defensive resilience. They have managed just one clean sheet in seven games, conceding six goals across their last three outings.
Palace’s recent record against Arsenal offers little optimism either. They have lost five of their last six Premier League meetings with the Gunners, though they did snatch a 2-2 draw at the Emirates last season, thanks to another late strike from Mateta.
Arteta’s men enter Sunday’s London derby full of confidence and rhythm, while Palace will be desperate to prove they can still compete with the league’s top sides. With Arsenal in such fine form — and boasting both set-piece precision and defensive solidity — the odds are heavily stacked in favor of the home side.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s midweek victory came at a cost, as Gabriel Magalhães was forced off with a thigh injury and is now a major doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash. In his absence, Cristhian Mosquera is expected to return to the heart of the defence.
While Piero Hincapié offers a natural option on the left side, the Ecuadorian has featured for just one minute this season, making a starting role highly unlikely.
Elsewhere, Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and Noni Madueke remain sidelined until after the international break. Gabriel Jesus, who tormented Crystal Palace last season, continues his recovery from an ACL injury and is targeting a comeback toward the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Following their dominant win over Atlético Madrid, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to stick with nearly the same lineup — with the only change likely to be Riccardo Calafiori replacing Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left side of the back four.
As for Crystal Palace, there are no new injury concerns ahead of their trip to the Emirates. The Eagles remain without Caleb Kporha (back), Cheick Doucouré (knee), and Chadi Riad (knee).
It was a night to forget for centre-back Canvot on Thursday, whose misplaced backpass led to AEK Larnaca’s winning goal in the Conference League. The new signing was substituted on the hour mark, and Chris Richards is expected to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Former Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah came off the bench for Canvot in that match, but he’s unlikely to start on Sunday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta firmly leading the line after scoring eight of his last nine Premier League goals in London.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Erling Haaland has now scored an incredible 51 goals in just 46 international appearances for Norway, becoming only the sixth men’s player in history to hit the 50-goal mark in fewer than 50 matches.
Norway’s all-time top scorer reached this milestone faster than several global superstars, including Harry Kane (71 games), Neymar (74), Kylian Mbappé and Robert Lewandowski (both 90), Lionel Messi (107), and Cristiano Ronaldo (114).
However, Haaland isn’t the quickest ever to do it. That record belongs to Danish legend Poul Nielsen, who hit 50 goals in only 36 games between 1910 and 1924.
Two other greats, West Germany’s Gerd Müller and Hungary’s Ferenc Puskás, share second place, both reaching 50 goals in 41 matches. Müller famously finished his career with more goals than appearances, scoring 68 in 62 games and hitting his 50th for West Germany in 1972.
Puskás achieved the same feat two decades earlier, reaching 50 goals in 1952 before ending his Hungary career with 84 goals in 85 games. His legendary status lives on through the Puskás Award, the stadium that bears his name, and clubs named in his honor.
Another Hungarian, Sándor Kocsis, also sits ahead of Haaland. He scored 50 goals in just 42 matches, reaching the milestone in 1954 and finishing with 75 goals in 68 appearances, another striker who scored more times than he played.
Still, Haaland can take pride in the fact that he reached 50 international goals faster than Brazilian icon Pelé, who needed 49 games to reach that mark before retiring with 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea fans had reasons to celebrate before the international break, as Enzo Maresca’s side handed Liverpool another defeat and ensured the Gunners entered the pause sitting top of the table.
A stunning goal from Moises Caicedo and a late winner from teenage sensation Estevão who became the youngest Brazilian ever to score a decisive goal in the Premier League gave the Blues a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. That victory ended their three-game winless run in the league and served as a much-needed boost against the reigning champions.
With three wins from their opening seven league fixtures, Chelsea have climbed back into contention for a Champions League place. They currently sit seventh in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Bournemouth.
The bigger picture looks promising for Maresca’s men, who have now won three of their last four matches in all competitions. However, Chelsea’s away form remains a lingering concern. The Blues have managed just three wins from their last 14 Premier League away games, collecting only 27% of their total points on the road in 2025 — the lowest ratio among all clubs to have stayed in the topflight throughout the year.
While Chelsea seem to be finding their rhythm, Nottingham Forest’s problems are mounting. Ange Postecoglou’s arrival was meant to spark a turnaround, but the Australian manager has yet to record a single league win with the club.
Forest’s latest setback came in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, with goals from Bruno Guimarães and in-form forward Nick Woltemade sealing another disappointing result. That loss marked their third straight defeat in all competitions and left Forest sitting 17th in the table — just one point clear of the relegation zone.
Postecoglou, who guided his previous club to Europa League glory, now finds himself under increasing pressure. Some fans are already calling for change, and reports suggest former Everton boss Sean Dyche could be a possible replacement. Still, for now, the Australian remains in charge and will hope that his eighth attempt brings his first victory as Forest manager.
The odds, however, are not in his favor. Forest risk going three Premier League matches without scoring for the first time since 1999, and they could also lose three consecutive home league games to Chelsea for the first time in their history, an unwanted milestone Postecoglou will be desperate to avoid.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea’s dramatic win over Liverpool didn’t come without incident, though this time, it wasn’t a player who saw red. Manager Enzo Maresca was sent off for his over-the-top celebrations following Estevão’s late winner, and as a result, he’ll serve a one-match suspension and watch Saturday’s game from the stands.
The Blues will also have to cope without several key players. Liam Delap (hamstring), Levi Colwill (ACL), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Mykhaylo Mudryk who is serving a doping suspension are all ruled out.
On top of that, there are fresh concerns over a number of first-team stars. Enzo Fernández (knee), Cole Palmer (groin), Andrey Santos (knock), Reece James (knock), Wesley Fofana (concussion), and Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) are all being assessed ahead of kickoff.
However, there is some good news for Maresca’s side. Trevoh Chalobah is available again after serving his suspension, while both Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong who were forced off during the Liverpool match are expected to be fit, with their substitutions deemed precautionary.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are in a better position fitness-wise. Former Chelsea full-back Ola Aina remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin) and Douglas Luiz (hamstring) face late fitness tests.
Manager Ange Postecoglou opted for a three-man defence in the defeat to Newcastle after Murillo picked up a knock in the Europa League loss to FC Midtjylland. Thankfully for Forest, the Brazilian defender is expected to be available again, allowing Postecoglou to revert to his preferred four-man backline — a setup that should favor former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro
Few fixtures in world football carry the weight and intensity of Liverpool vs Manchester United. Between them, these two giants have claimed 40 league titles, countless domestic cups, and European glory that defines English football’s heritage.
Every meeting drips with history, emotion, and the hunger to outdo the other, whether it’s for titles, pride, or momentum.
Liverpool enter this clash as the reigning Premier League champions, while United, under the stewardship of Rúben Amorim, are rebuilding toward former heights. Anfield has been a fortress in recent years, and the red side of Merseyside will be determined to keep that record intact against their fiercest rivals.
Current Form & Recent Results
Liverpool: Searching for Rhythm
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Arne Slot’s men. The Reds were edged 2–1 by Chelsea in their last league outing on October 4th, a result that exposed some defensive vulnerabilities but also showcased their attacking flair.
With Mohamed Salah,Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak forming a dangerous new-look front line, Liverpool have shown flashes of brilliance but need to find consistency if they’re to defend their crown.
Manchester United: Building Confidence
United come into this one with renewed optimism after a 2–0 win over Sunderland before the international break. Amorim’s tactical adjustments , including a shift to a flexible back-three, seem to be paying off, with Benjamin Šeško opening his Premier League account and Mason Mount showing signs of form.
However, United’s record at Anfield is grim, no league win there since January 2016, and Amorim knows his side must deliver something special to break that curse.
League Context
This is a pivotal Matchweek 8 fixture. Liverpool sit near the top but can’t afford to drop points, while United hover around mid-table, eager to re-enter the Champions League conversation.
Team News
Liverpool
Alisson Becker – Out (hamstring injury). Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to continue in goal.
Ibrahima Konaté – Doubtful, recently returned to training.
Ryan Gravenberch – Back in contention after a brief hamstring issue.
Slot’s main concern will be stability at the back and ensuring the high-press system clicks against United’s counter-attacking style.
Manchester United
Lisandro Martínez – Back in partial training but unlikely to start.
Luke Shaw – Minor fitness concern, late test expected.
Several internationals returned with minor knocks, though Amorim has hinted at “mostly positive” squad news.
Amorim will weigh the benefits of starting fit-again regulars versus keeping faith in those who impressed in the Sunderland win.
Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Mamardashvili — Connor Bradley, Van Dijk, Gomez, Kerkez — Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch — Salah, Isak, Gakpo
Tactical Notes: Slot is likely to keep the high-intensity 4-3-3 but might instruct Szoboszlai to play closer to the forwards for extra creativity. Expect the full-backs to push high, especially Kerkez down the left.
Tactical Notes: Amorim has been using a hybrid 3-4-3 that transitions to a 4-2-3-1 in possession. United’s plan will likely be to soak up pressure and hit Liverpool on the break through Rashford’s pace and Šeško’s movement.
Key Battles
Midfield Control: Szoboszlai & Mac Allister vs Mount & Fernandes who dictates tempo could decide the game.
Wide Duels: Bryan Mbeumo vs Milos Kerkez will be one of the most explosive matchups on the pitch.
Set-Pieces: With Van Dijk and Konate's aerial presence, Liverpool will look to exploit United’s zonal marking.
Match Prediction
Anfield under the lights. Two heavyweights with everything to prove.
Liverpool have the home advantage and greater attacking cohesion, while United’s defensive resilience and Amorim’s tactical adaptability make them dangerous. Expect moments of chaos, controversy, and brilliance everything you’d want from an English football classic.
Predicted Score:Liverpool 2–1 Manchester United
Salah to star, Šeško to strike, and Anfield to roar once again.
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Predicted Score: Liverpool 2–1 Manchester United