How could Arne Slot set his Liverpool side against the Big Five

Yes, we get it. It is the Big Six. But Liverpool won’t play against themselves in the league, would they? Plus, anyways, we are the best club in the Premier League. Nevertheless, let’s dig straight into it. New manager, new beginnings and a whole lot of new to expect from Liverpool Football Club. One thing we have noticed over the pre-season friendlies the Reds have played so far is the fact that Arne Slot is very tactically flexible in setting his sides up.

That will surely come as a breath of fresh air for Liverpool, who have been privy to the strict 4-3-3 under former (sad to say it) boss Jurgen Klopp. Even though we have reaped all our benefits from that formation, teams towards the end of the German’s tenure on Merseyside probably found a few loopholes and started to put the Reds in uncomfortable positions. Especially with the way we had been concerning way too many early goals in games.

With Slot slotting in at La Axa, we can see the length and breadth of tactical changes even if he prefers playing Liverpool in a 4-3-3 system like his predecessor. The 45-year-old Dutchman also is an advocate of the same formation but alternates between having a holding midfielder in certain games and having a central attacking midfielder, in some games. Slot has also taken a liking towards the 4-2-3-1 formation on numerous occasions, including a few important Europa League games for his former side AZ Alkmaar.

Liverpool 24/25 (minus the kids):

GK: Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros.

DEF: Trent, Virgil, Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Robertson, Tsimikas, Bradley, Van Den Berg.

MID: Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones, Morton, Carvalho, Bajcetic.

ATT: Salah, Jota, Gakpo, Diaz, Nunez.

Being tactically unpredictable is a big part of winning games and you surely need to get the better of the best quality opposition in order to strengthen your league position. Keeping that in mind, let us see how Arne Slot might set his side up against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

How could Arne Slot set his Liverpool side against the Big Five?

Manchester City

Facing the champions requires a mix of tactical discipline and opportunism. Slot has on numerous occasions in the past, spoken about his admiration for Pep Guardiola and the way he sets his side up. Best believe that the Dutchman would have also noticed some shortcomings to exploit as well. He might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation to add an extra layer of defensive solidity while retaining attacking potency.

The double-pivot could consist of Endo and Mac Allister to shield the back four and disrupt City’s midfield rhythm. Trent Alexander-Arnold could play an inverted role, moving into midfield during possession to provide creative passes and overload City’s midfield. Szoboszlai or Carvalho could take up the central attacking midfielder role, with Salah, Diaz, and Nunez forming a dynamic front three to exploit spaces behind City’s high line. This choice of the attacking trio will give the Reds a chance to counter with a lightning-quick pace. However, if the need for more control arises, the double pivot could include Jones instead of Endo. Gakpo would also see himself included if Slot would want for more control of the proceedings.

Mac Allister’s ability to play upfront might also see the Reds play him upfront instead of Szobo, who might form half of the double pivot. His relentlessness in central midfield and ability to constantly press, like a machine, like Roberto Firmino, might be beneficial for the Merseysiders.

An ideal Liverpool lineup against Manchester City.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s attacking flair, particularly through the wings, means Slot might stick to a 4-3-3 but with a more compact and narrow midfield trio. Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Bajcetic could provide a blend of defensive cover and forward thrust. The full-backs, Trent and Robbo, would need to be disciplined, curbing their attacking instincts to contain Arsenal’s wide players. On the counter, Salah and Diaz’s pace could be pivotal, supported by Jota or Gakpo dropping deep to link play. Jota most likely, because he loves a goal or two against Arsenal.

The Gunners have proved to be a huge problem for the Reds, especially through their wing play and it will be important to put Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in their places when the sides meet if the Reds aim for maximum points against Mikel Arteta’s side. Playing Dom in this game might have its pros and cons, but it likely would come across as two teams cancelling out each other for a bore of a game.

An inverted Trent vs Arsenal might once again prove to be the solution, but even we do not know what to expect from Slot. And that is exactly what makes this season as exciting for Liverpool fans as it is proving to be.

A narrow midfield to curb Arsenal in the middle of the park and make them feel suffocated might work for Liverpool.

Tottenham

Tottenham under their one-season old management might focus on an aggressive, high-pressing game. Slot could counter this with a 4-2-3-1 setup, utilising Szoboszlai as a creative outlet in the number 10 role.

Macca and Jones as the double pivot can offer stability and break Tottenham’s press. The attacking trio of Salah, Jota, and Gakpo would be tasked with exploiting Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly during transitions with the speed of light (almost).

The Lilywhites have been guilty of having a leaky defence towards the end of last season, and they have not particularly focused on that department in the transfer window, so it might be interesting to see how things go for them in the near future as well. The Reds have been in top form throughout the pre-season, especially in attacking transition, so it will without doubt be a good watch for the neutrals to see two attacking teams go at it full throttle.

A free role Szobo in the #10 role against Tottenham is a good shout for Liverpool to line up with.

Chelsea

Quite easily the most incalculable team ITL. Under a new bald boss like us. Enzo Maresca did not have the best of pre-season tours but the talent he has at his disposal has the best potential in the English top division without any doubt. Chelsea’s unpredictable form necessitates a balanced approach. Slot might revert to a 4-3-3 formation, with a midfield trio of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Endo/Stefan providing both defensive resilience and attacking impetus.

Trent’s role could be more free here, letting him do his thing. With that though, the midfield might have to cover up for the space the full-back leaves behind. The CB duo of Virgil and Konate/Sepp/Jarell will also have their tasks cut out.

Upfront, Salah, Gakpo, and Jota could offer fluid movement and interchanging positions to unsettle Chelsea’s defence. This match might seem like three points at 7 PM and a tough nut to crack at half past 7. Very eerie vibe to it, to be totally honest. Let’s see how things go.

Chelsea is the most unpredictable team in the league, and Liverpool must also be half as unpredictable as them.

Manchester United

No tactics, just vibes against this side. We beat them 3-0 with our C team. Jokes apart, the rivalry with United demands both tactical acumen and psychological readiness. Slot could employ a 4-3-3 formation with a high-pressing strategy to unsettle United’s build-up play.

A midfield of Endo, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister could offer a mix of physicality, creativity, and energy. In attack, Salah, Nunez, and Jota could provide relentless pressure, exploiting any defensive lapses from United. Konate and Van Dijk’s partnership at the back would be crucial in handling United’s attacking threats.

Bench strength will be very very crucial in this game. Nerves play a big part in football, especially when the stakes are as high in a game like Liverpool vs Man United. We have yet to beat them at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, but things might change this season. At least we hope for it.