Liverpool forgotten man who wowed Alisson set for key first-XI role after mad twist
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be forced to change his Premier League starting 11 after Hugo Ekitike received a red card in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup.
In a moment of madness, Ekitike removed his shirt to celebrate his late winner against the Saints and received a second yellow card, with Andy Robertson calling the incident ‘silly’.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half before Shea Charles equalised for Southampton on 23 September, but the former Eintracht Frankfurt man secured the victory for the Reds.
Thanks to his red card, Ekitike will be suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, 27 September.
Federico Chiesa set for key Liverpool role after Hugo Ekitike red card
Ekitike has started every Premier League game for Slot’s side so far this term, notching three goals and one assist.
But now that the 23-year-old is serving a one-match suspension, Liverpool will be forced to roll the dice when they face Palace on 27 September.
Consequently, Slot could turn to forgotten man Federico Chiesa, who wowed Alisson Becker with his strong performance against Southampton.
The 27-year-old, who made just one start in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign last term, produced both assists against the Saints at Anfield.
Chiesa’s strong showing against Will Still’s side shows that he can produce the goods, and deserves an extended playing role against Crystal Palace.
Slot is still managing Alexander Isak’s minutes carefully, after the former Newcastle United man endured a heavily disrupted pre-season schedule amid his transfer saga.
The likelihood is that Isak will play for 45 minutes, or a maximum of one hour, before being replaced by Chiesa.
Should Isak feel the after effects of Wednesday’s clash, there is even the chance of a surprise start for Chiesa.
Crystal Palace clash will challenge Arne Slot’s winning run
Liverpool already appear on course to retain their Premier League title, as the only top-flight side who boast a 100 per cent winning record after five games played.
| Liverpool’s last three results | All competitions 2025/26 |
| Atletico Madrid (H) | 3-2 W |
| Everton (H) | 2-1 W |
| Southampton (H) | 2-1 W |
The Merseyside outfit also proved their mentality in their Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid and their EFL Cup victory over Southampton.
However, Palace could have what it takes to threaten Liverpool’s impressive winning run, as the Eagles have not lost in the Premier League since their 5-0 loss to Newcastle back in April.
Meanwhile, the Premier League affair between the Eagles and the Reds on 27 September sees the two sides clash for the first time since Marc Guehi’s transfer deadline day move to Liverpool collapsed.
Slot’s me will be eager to ensure that they maintain their first clean sheet since a 1-0 win at Burnley on 14 September, as they have conceded in three successive victories over Atletico, Everton, and Southampton.