Arne Slot ponders major changes to Liverpool’s forward line with Florian Wirtz’s return looming

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is facing a significant selection dilemma as his side prepares for a crucial clash with Sunderland on Wednesday evening. The Reds have recently shown signs of life, snapping out of a concerning slump with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. Now, with their momentum regained, Slot is tasked with deciding how best to integrate Florian Wirtz, who made his return from injury in the West Ham victory.

The win against West Ham was vital, propelling Liverpool back into the top half of the Premier League and closing the gap to just three points off the Champions League qualification spots. Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were on target, and the performance showcased a level of resilience that had been sorely lacking in recent weeks.

But while the team’s immediate focus is on the Sunderland match, which is the second in a demanding stretch of three Premier League games within a week, the real challenge for Slot is how to shape his forward line. With Wirtz making a comeback after injury, there are questions to be answered about how best to deploy the young talent.

Wirtz has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers since joining the club, and his creative spark in midfield could provide the Reds with the attacking edge they’ve missed in recent games. However, Slot must weigh the benefits of reintroducing him into the lineup against the current chemistry between the forwards, particularly with Gakpo and Isak finding form.

The manager’s task becomes more complicated by the recent success of his current attacking trio. Both Isak and Gakpo have been impressive in recent matches, and Slot will need to decide whether to disrupt a system that is beginning to click. Gakpo, in particular, has shown the kind of form that made him such a sought-after player in the summer, while Isak’s physicality and movement have caused problems for opposition defences.

While Slot is likely to stick with a similar starting XI against Sunderland, the return of Wirtz presents him with a chance to switch things up. The 21-year-old’s ability to play across multiple attacking positions could allow Slot to experiment with different formations. Should Slot opt for a more attacking setup, Wirtz could slot in behind Isak as a central playmaker, or alternatively, he could add depth to the wing positions, offering pace and creativity to support the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

However, with Wirtz returning from injury, Slot will need to balance the need for his influence with caution, ensuring the midfielder is fully match-fit before being thrust into a busy period of games. The last thing Liverpool needs is another injury setback to one of their most promising talents.

The Sunderland match, coming just days after the West Ham win, presents a perfect opportunity for Slot to test his tactical options without risking too much. Given Sunderland’s promoted status, Liverpool will be heavy favourites, and a solid performance could give Slot the confidence to make more changes in the subsequent games.

Slot’s approach to the match will undoubtedly be influenced by how he perceives the balance of power in the forward line. If Wirtz is integrated effectively, it could provide Liverpool with the extra dynamism needed to push for a top-four finish. But Slot will have to consider the dynamics of the entire team, not just individual performances, as he looks to strike the right balance between freshening up his attack and maintaining the cohesion that was evident in the West Ham win.

Liverpool’s immediate future will depend on how Slot handles this tricky selection period. The next few days could be pivotal in determining whether the Reds can challenge for a Champions League place or whether their inconsistent form will continue to hold them back.