Manchester City and Arsenal had the opportunity to close the gap with Liverpool, especially since the Merseyside Derby was postponed. However, this unexpected break may actually work in favor of Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot.
Currently, Liverpool is dealing with several key injuries, but some players, like Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, participated in training last Friday, which suggests they may be back soon. Ibrahima Konate and potentially others could return in time for the rearranged derby, enhancing the squad’s depth.
The postponement also means that Alexis Mac Allister will miss the upcoming match against Fulham instead of the trip to Goodison Park. When the derby is rescheduled, Liverpool might benefit from improved weather conditions, which typically favor their style of play more than that of Sean Dyche’s Everton.
This re-arrangement allows Liverpool to enter the derby with a more complete squad and in a better atmosphere, even though it creates a busier schedule later on. The additional rest time in December is particularly valuable, especially before their crucial Champions League match against Girona, which could help secure a top-eight finish.
Furthermore, Slot has a relatively manageable December ahead, with matches lined up against Fulham, Spurs, and Leicester City, along with an opportunity to rotate the squad in the Carabao Cup against Southampton. The relatively spaced-out schedule, especially compared to past years, allows for a strategic approach, alleviating some of the usual holiday season fatigue.
With Manchester City facing tougher opponents in their own schedule, Slot’s Liverpool looks positioned to capitalize on the upcoming fixtures. While the initial challenge may seem daunting, the upcoming period is shaping up to provide significant opportunities for success.
Overall, the unexpected postponement could serve as a blessing in disguise for Liverpool, allowing them to regroup and prepare more effectively for the challenges ahead. The situation highlights that even in times of uncertainty, positive outcomes can still emerge for determined teams.