Arne Slot has new first name on teamsheet and Federico Chiesa standing at Liverpool already clear
Liverpool is back in Premier League action with a trip to Wolves today. We asked Liverpool fan Adam Zand from LFC Boston a few questions about the Reds ahead of the game, including on what he's made of Arne Slot so far.
Liverpool beat Bournemouth in the Premier League and then hammered West Ham. Does that prove Nottingham Forest was just a bizarre blip?
That match against Forest was the definition of a "blip" if that blip includes 20 players going out on International duty, and 10 of them playing two matches. It really was the worst timing after domination at Old Trafford, and the players seemed to forget how Arne Slot wants them set up: in control and breaking down the low block.
Big decisions! Liverpool team vs Wolves predicted as Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota calls made Arne Slot shares Man City target as Liverpool manager delivers reality check
Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke to reporters about his contract situation last weekend. What did you make of what he had to say?
Let's rewind the clock to our players who have expiring contracts, and statements made. First, Virgil expressed some uncertainty about what was next after Klopp; then Mohamed Salah shared that he really likes it here and it's not really for him to say what happens next. Finally, Trent agreed to speak with reporters after a match, and he actually didn't give them that much.
In a way, I hope we are only posting one response from LFC Boston in articles on the possible contract signatures. Contract negotiations don't actually happen in newspapers or on "Twitter" influencer pages. Deals will happen or not. Let's move on for now, and enjoy the season of Trent, Mo and Virgil.
The Carabao Cup showed Liverpool has good squad depth at the moment. Are there any parts of the team that you're concerned about?
Not to tempt the Greek gods of football injuries, but we could argue there are two — and sometimes three — solid options at every position on the pitch. Obviously, a long-term injury to any of the backbone down the middle of the pitch — Alisson, Virgil, Mac Allister, Salah/Jota — would need somebody to step up big time.
Let's see how Manchester City handles the loss of Rodri. Heck, Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson haven't been the picture of good health the last couple of seasons either. Squad rotation and keeping the boys fresh during multiple matches in a week is going to be a key for Arne and the training staff.
What did you make of Federico Chiesa's debut?
Is it being flippant to say he is easily the sixth-best striker on a team in world football? He looks quicker than we expected, and seems to have some of the angles down to get behind teams when needed. He's smooth on the ball, and he really does look the part out there. Actually, he looks like he's playing the part of an incredibly handsome investment banker who just hung up his business suit for the Liverpool kit temporarily. Avanti Federico!
Wolves this weekend. Who should be in the starting XI?
League matches have established a pretty clear starting 11 after that Quansah substitution. The first name in our starting 11 has to be Ryan Gravenberch, followed by Mo, and Diogo. We will keep our hopes on a healthy Alisson, and maybe a longer look at Curtis Jones. He's the kind of player where consistent appearances really help him thrive. If that means Szobo watches for 63 minutes, we'll be fine. Back four seems so solid, but we'd also like to see a sub appearance for Gomez and/or Quansah.
Anything else to mention?
I'm taking the opportunity to issue an open invitation for all Reds who may be traveling to the Boston area during the coming season. We have close to 600 paid LFC Boston members already this season, but we've also welcomed new friends to The Phoenix Landing in Cambridge from as far away as Germany, Netherlands, Newcastle, Montreal, Richmond and Salt Lake City to name several. We're confident saying The Phoenix Landing is the best football pub in North America, although we hear our friends in Toronto have a pretty darn good time every match.