Arne Slot Discusses Right-Back Challenges
Arne Slot spoke to TNT Sports about the ongoing issues Liverpool face with the right-back position.
“Throughout the whole season [the right-back position] is like this … it is not going to be the first time that Wata Endo is playing as a full-back … we have struggled in that position a lot … not because we don’t have one, but the two we have, have been injured a lot … a very good replacement [Joe Gomez] has mainly not been there when the two others are out … I have two good full-backs on [the left side] … it is another time we have played three games in seven days … that is different than three in eight … not many times Milos [Kerkez] has done this because he comes from Bournemouth where he did not play in Europe … the few times I did [select him] he struggled a little bit with playing so many times … [Andrew Robertson] is a great replacement to have.”
Slot was also asked about Calvin Ramsay, a natural right-back, currently on the bench. Regarding the race for Champions League qualification, Slot commented:
“We know what we have to do, 13 games to be played … we have to win a lot of them to get to the position we want to be … maybe yesterday the results were not too bad for us but this can change every week and we have to focus on ourselves … get as many points as we can.”
Previous Meeting Recap
For context, a reminder of the reverse fixture at Anfield a few months ago is available, both in traditional match report format and the newer MBM style, for fans’ reference and enjoyment.
Team Updates and Tactical Notes
At the start of the season, concerns over a manager’s coat status might have been expected for Régis Le Bris, but circumstances have shifted since then.
Sunderland make one change to their starting lineup following a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal. This change is an attacking substitution: Nilson Angulo replaces Chemsdine Talbi, who moves to the bench. Captain Granit Xhaka remains absent.
Liverpool adjust their starting eleven with two changes after their 2-1 loss to Manchester City. One change is forced by suspension: Dominik Szoboszlai is unavailable, so Wataru Endo steps in as right-back. The other change sees Andy Robertson come in for Milos Kerkez, who is benched.
Starting Lineups
Sunderland: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava, Sadiki, Le Fee, Hume, Diarra, Angulo, Brobbey.
Substitutes: Ellborg, Cirkin, Geertruida, Talbi, Rigg, Mayenda, O’Nien, Mundle, Isidor.
Liverpool: Alisson, Endo, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
VAR: Darren England
Historical Context and Match Outlook
Sunderland have not defeated Liverpool in nearly 14 years. Despite this long drought, the Black Cats enter tonight’s match with optimism. Newly promoted Sunderland are comfortably positioned mid-table, while reigning champions Liverpool, just three points ahead, are less assured.
Sunderland remain unbeaten at home this season, whereas Liverpool have not secured an away league victory since before Christmas, their last being at Tottenham Hotspur, which currently offers limited prestige. Sunderland have won their last two home matches, while Liverpool have lost two of their last three league games.
Given these factors, Sunderland and their supporters at the Stadium of Light may feel confident. However, Liverpool will view this match as a critical opportunity to re-enter the race for next season’s Champions League qualification. With limited time remaining to salvage their campaign, the champions will be eager to claim three points and will likely approach the game with urgency.
The hosts, having already held strong teams such as Arsenal and Manchester City at home, will resist Liverpool’s advances. This scenario sets the stage for a potentially dramatic, entertaining, and possibly contentious encounter. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 pm GMT. The match is underway.
