Why are Liverpool feeling the effects of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence this season?

Slot’s men face Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, and if United want to get anything from the game, they will need to capitalize on some of Liverpool’s recent weaknesses.

Amorim has at times asked his side to defend in a 5-4-1 out of possession, departing from their normal 5-2-3 formation, and if chosen, this alternative approach is likely to pose more questions for Liverpool.

By defending deeper and blocking the midfield well, a greater proportion of Liverpool’s possession will be with the central defenders who are less able to break the stubborn shape. This may force Wirtz to dig deeper, outside of areas where he might be most destructive.

Liverpool’s reluctance to play substitutions will make it difficult for them to break the 5-4-1 shape which has good coverage across the width of the pitch to start with as well.

Finally, a shape that aims to reduce the space the likes of Isak and Salah can face is naturally a smart plan to take on two of Liverpool’s most impressive players, especially if combined with proactive and aggressive defending from United’s left-back.