Liverpool travel to West Ham United knowing that one key figure will be treading carefully when it comes to discipline. That concern, however, is far from the biggest issue for Arne Slot.
After a run of nine defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions, the Liverpool boss can no longer plan in short sequences. Every fixture now demands full attention, with results taking priority over any long-term strategy. Forget slipping out of the title picture or conceding the race before December — what matters most is producing something positive in London.
A win may not be essential to ease the tension surrounding the team, but a clear improvement is. The club’s hierarchy may be more willing to tolerate a draw if the team delivers a commanding performance, rather than scrape an uninspired victory.
Szoboszlai one booking away from a Premier League ban
Dominik Szoboszlai heads into the meeting with West Ham knowing he is one caution away from suspension. The midfielder has been Liverpool’s standout performer this season, consistently delivering regardless of his role on the pitch — a level of reliability that has supporters viewing him as a future leader.
But he has already been shown four yellow cards in league action, against Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City. According to FA rules, any player who collects five bookings within the first 19 league games must sit out one Premier League match. Cautions from this competition do not transfer to the FA Cup or EFL Cup.
If Szoboszlai is booked in London, he would be ruled out of the home clash with Sunderland on Wednesday. The visitors arrive after a dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth, overturning a two-goal deficit inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Bradley also on four cards but currently injured
Conor Bradley is in the same disciplinary situation with four yellow cards to his name, but the right-back’s status is unchanged due to injury. A hamstring problem is set to keep him out for several more weeks, meaning he is not currently at risk of triggering suspension.
