Liverpool continued their impressive run of form after progressing through the third round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Barnsley at Anfield on Tuesday (13/1/2026) early morning WIB. The win extended The Reds’ unbeaten streak to 11 matches across all competitions, highlighting Arne Slot’s tactical acumen and the squad’s growing confidence.
Looking ahead, Liverpool are scheduled to host Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup next month. However, before that fixture, Slot’s side must turn their attention back to the Premier League, navigating a busy January schedule that includes a home clash against Burnley. With Champions League qualification ambitions still very much alive, strategic squad rotation and player management will be critical in the coming weeks.
One of the major talking points ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures revolves around the role of Florian Wirtz in the attacking lineup, as Slot weighs options for his forward and midfield deployment.
Rotation Ends, Key Players Return
Slot implemented rotation against Barnsley, giving fringe players an opportunity to impress. However, it is widely expected that the manager will revert to a full-strength lineup for Premier League fixtures. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is likely to return between the posts, replacing Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Freddie Woodman remaining as the third-choice keeper.
In the left-back position, Milos Kerkez is set to replace Andy Robertson, who had played against Barnsley. The absence of Conor Bradley until the end of the season leaves Jeremie Frimpong as Liverpool’s only natural right-back option. Nevertheless, Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai have occasionally filled that role this season, while Calvin Ramsay provides additional depth.
At the heart of defense, Gomez, who started against Barnsley, is expected to relinquish his place with the return of Ibrahima Konate to partner captain Virgil van Dijk. Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni is confirmed to be out for the season, while academy prospect Wellity Lucky made his senior debut in October 2025, reflecting Liverpool’s continued focus on nurturing young talent.
Midfield Decisions and Wirtz’s Role
Liverpool’s midfield remains stacked with options. Slot employed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Barnsley, and Ryan Gravenberch is expected to reprise his role as the anchoring defensive midfielder. Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister will compete for the slot alongside him, offering a mix of creativity and control.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, who recently returned from a month-long ankle injury, are also available for selection. Szoboszlai has been versatile this season, playing across midfield and in the number 10 role, providing Slot with tactical flexibility.
Florian Wirtz emerges as a key figure in Slot’s plans, potentially occupying the central attacking role behind the striker. Wirtz offers creativity and goal threat, and has become the manager’s primary alternative for that position. Jones and Mac Allister have also filled the role in previous matches, making the decision on who starts a critical one.
Forward Options Amid Absences
Up front, Liverpool face a shortage of attacking options. Mohamed Salah is away representing his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak remains sidelined with injury. This leaves Hugo Ekitike, who recently made a significant impact as a substitute with both a goal and an assist, as the expected leader of the forward line.
Cody Gakpo is likely to start on the left wing, competing with Wirtz for a place, while 17-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha is still awaiting his Premier League starting debut. On the right flank, Federico Chiesa struggled to impress against Barnsley and is expected to be replaced in the starting XI. The position is likely to be filled by Szoboszlai or Wirtz, depending on Slot’s final tactical setup.
With Wirtz anticipated to start after only featuring as a substitute midweek, the manager’s decision on his positioning will directly influence the composition of both the midfield and attacking lines. The placement of Wirtz will not only determine the balance of creativity and defensive solidity but could also shape Liverpool’s offensive threat in upcoming fixtures.
Tactical Implications and January Challenges
Slot’s January schedule is packed, with Premier League matches and FA Cup commitments testing Liverpool’s squad depth. Rotational strategies will be essential to maintain player fitness, particularly for those involved in multiple competitions. By carefully managing minutes for key players like Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Endo, Slot can optimize performance without sacrificing results.
The upcoming fixtures will also serve as a litmus test for Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions. Strategic decisions, particularly in attack, will be crucial in sustaining the unbeaten run and reinforcing confidence across the squad. With Wirtz poised to take a central role, Slot’s tactical flexibility will be pivotal in ensuring Liverpool remain competitive across all fronts.
In conclusion, Liverpool are riding a wave of momentum following their FA Cup success, but decisions over player deployment, especially regarding Florian Wirtz, will be decisive in shaping the team’s performances in the Premier League and beyond. With the January schedule demanding consistency and depth, Slot’s management choices could define Liverpool’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.
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