The reigning champions currently sit 8th in the table with 18 points from 11 matches, already 12 points behind early leaders Arsenal. A run of only one win in their last six Premier League games has heightened scrutiny on Slot's expensively assembled squad.

Isak's Managed Return and Ekitike's Rising Form

The striker position remains the biggest talking point. Alexander Isak, signed for a club-record 125-million pounds from Newcastle in September 2025, is still building full match fitness after a groin injury restricted him to just four appearances (one start) so far. The Swede came off the bench in the recent loss at Manchester City and featured sparingly for Sweden during the break. Liverpool's medical and coaching staff are proceeding cautiously, with Isak unlikely to manage 90 minutes immediately, but Slot has stressed the 26-year-old "needs minutes urgently" to hit top gear.

Hugo Ekitike, the 79-million pounds signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, has offered encouragement. The 23-year-old scored his first senior France goal against Ukraine and started on the left flank in the subsequent victory over Azerbaijan, earning praise for his movement and link-up play alongside Kylian Mbappe.

Slot now has genuine options: Isak's hold-up and finishing versus Ekitike's pace and versatility from wide areas. The Dutchman has left the door open to deploying both together in certain fixtures.

Salah Remains Undroppable Before AFCON

Mohamed Salah, who penned a new contract until 2027 in April 2025, continues to be the attacking focal point on the right wing. With the Africa Cup of Nations (18 December 2025 – 18 January 2026) approaching, Egypt are likely to request his early release for a pre-tournament camp, potentially costing Liverpool up to six or seven matches.

Slot has been clear: Salah will be managed carefully but will start the vast majority of games until his departure.

Wirtz Still Searching for Consistency

Florian Wirtz (116-m pounds from Bayer Leverkusen) has produced moments of magic, notably drifting in from the left against Real Madrid, but has yet to impose himself regularly.

Deployed in multiple roles as the team beds in several high-profile arrivals, the 22-year-old German has been affected by Liverpool's disjointed attacking play.

Upcoming home games against teams in the bottom half, starting with Nottingham Forest on 22 November, are viewed internally as the perfect opportunity for Wirtz to deliver the goals and assists expected of him.

Left-Back Rotation and Alisson's Return

At left-back, Andy Robertson remains first choice, but 40-m pounds summer arrival Milos Kerkez has impressed in rotation and is pushing hard for more minutes.

Alisson Becker is fully fit again and will reclaim the gloves from Giorgi Mamardashvili for the Forest game.

With Jeremie Frimpong also close to full sharpness on the right, Slot's biggest judgements revolve around accelerating Isak's integration, harnessing Ekitike's momentum, and finally unlocking Wirtz. After a turbulent start, Liverpool need results, and fast. The next fortnight, starting against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, could define whether they mount a genuine title defence or slip further into mid-table.

"I will have to make some painful decisions," admits Bafana boss Hugo Broos ahead of AFCON finals