For the first time in 24 years, baseball fans in Seattle have experienced the taste of a postseason victory at home.
The Mariners defeated the Tigers 3–2 in Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday night, evening up the series 1-1. The victory marked the first time in almost a quarter of a century that the Mariners won a playoff game at their home stadium.
As a result, it was an emotional scene at T-Mobile Park, as fans in Seattle soaked in the feeling of an October win. The Fox broadcast captured the scenes in the Pacific Northwest to perfection, showcasing some excited fans as they finally experienced the long-awaited moment.
One fan was captured on the broadcast tearing up and exchanging a wholesome embrace with a loved one.
The last time the Mariners won a home playoff game was October 15, 2001, when they defeated Cleveland 3–1. That season, they advanced to the ALCS but were ultimately defeated by the Yankees in a five-game series.
Fans are hoping this year will be different. Seattle is one of five MLB teams to never win a World Series, and it's clear that the team's supporters are ready for the drought to snap.
Game 3 is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7 from Comerica Park in Detroit. The series could potentially return to Seattle for a Game 5, if necessary.
Newcastle United haven’t gotten going this season, not in the Premier League.
The form on the road is becoming a real concern for Eddie Howe’s side, whose victories this season have been limited to St. James’ Park, and who have lost four on the bounce when detached from that vociferous home support.
Change is needed, and while the turbulence of the summer transfer window has made a transitional period inevitable, it’s clear there are some on Tyneside who must be shipped out for the sake of tactical continuity.
The endangered Newcastle stars
Newcastle are struggling this season, and no mistake. However, Howe has transformed this club in the years since his arrival, and he must be afforded ample time to sort things out.
However, this might mean that several stars need to be shipped out next year, with a stagnancy crawling across the squad’s fabric this season.
Sven Botman was all over the place as United slumped to defeat at Brentford last weekend, but there is surely hope that the 25-year-old, who has endured a series of injury-riddled years, will recover his once imperious Premier League form.
He’s not been helped by the widemen; Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are limited as a full-back pairing. The veterans do combine, after all, for an age of 68, and the lack of dynamism and width and energy has impeded the Magpies.
Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, for example, have neither scored nor assisted in the Premier League this term, and likely cannot wait for the return of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento as a duo.
How Howe approaches 2026, the January transfer window and the summer market after that, is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear changes are needed. And one of these changes will sting the Tyneside crowds, but sadly, this Newcastle mainstay is no longer at his best and is a clear weak link in the middle of the park, showing certain shades of Moussa Sissoko long before him.
Newcastle's new Moussa Sissoko
Sissoko is something of a cult hero on Tyneside. The versatile French midfielder played 133 matches between 2013 and 2016, so tenacious and powerful from the centre of the park or out at right midfield.
Now 36 and playing for Watford in the Championship, Sissoko has not played in black and white for a long time, leaving for Tottenham in a £30m deal in 2016, but the case of Joelinton is throwing certain similarities toward the spotlight.
Joelinton, 29, arrived in England but lacked the composure and finishing skills to succeed. He looked to be drifting toward anonymity before being refashioned into a robust midfielder.
It’s delightful to see the Brazil international hailed as a “club legend” by content creator Adam Pearson, having featured 236 times across all competitions and played a defining role in lifting the Carabao Cup last year.
But his performances this season have left much to be desired, and United blogger Thomas Hammond has even suggested that this is “the start of the end” for the stalwart, who isn’t as sharp in his defensive duties as before; neither has he looked that effective in attack.
Sissoko was younger when leaving United for Spurs, but he too was inconsistent during that final, relegation-condemned campaign.
Joelinton has run himself into the ground over recent years, and now it might be time for Newcastle to cash in while they can and replace him with a fresher midfield cog to complement Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
1
Bruno Guimaraes
170
2
Dan Burn
165
3
Fabian Schar
163
4
Jacob Murphy
150
5
Joelinton
145
For Joelinton to have been one of Howe’s mainstays at this golden age at Newcastle bears testament to his unwavering belief and drive.
But he can only drive forward for so long and it might be nearing the time to part ways with this all-action star and turn the page toward the new chapter.
They lost the ball 37 times: Newcastle duo must never start together again
Eddie Howe must never play this Newcastle United duo together again when Premier League action resumes.
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to launch a stunning big-money offer to sign Eduardo Camavinga and Real Madrid have now made their stance on selling the Frenchman clear.
The Magpies could certainly do with the statement that signing such a player would create. Eddie Howe’s side have been incredibly inconsistent so far this season, particularly going forward, and were made to pay for that against a struggling West Ham United side on Friday.
After suffering a 3-1 defeat, Howe told reporters: “The dynamism wasn’t there. The physicality and the energy were missing. We scored early and could have grabbed hold of the game but we didn’t and let it slip away.
“It didn’t look like a Newcastle team that we’ve seen in recent seasons. The body language, the collective spirit on the pitch, loads of little things weren’t there. It was a by-product of us just not being where we needed to be mentally.”
Those at St James’ Park are now facing the consequences for a chaotic summer in which they lost one of the world’s best strikers, Alexander Isak. Whilst his replacement, Nick Woltemade, has made an impressive start, it’s clear that Newcastle’s attack in its entirety is still struggling to click again.
0 tackles won: Newcastle duo must now never start together again for Howe
Eddie Howe must never select this Newcastle United duo together again after their disastrous performances against West Ham United.
By
Kelan Sarson
Nov 3, 2025
The eventual return of summer signing Yoane Wissa may still help things, but Newcastle sit as low as 13th in the Premier League as things stand – six points adrift of top four.
The January transfer window could also provide the Magpies with some much-needed solutions. The likes of Elliot Anderson and Hayden Hackney have already threatened to steal the headlines on that front, with Anderson particularly one to watch.
Whether it’s the Nottingham Forest star, Hackney or perhaps even Camavinga, it seems clear that those in Tyneside are attempting to overhaul their midfield with the future in mind.
Newcastle readying £60m+ Camavinga offer
It’s not just Anderson and Hackney who find themselves on the list of targets at St James’ Park. According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now readying an offer to sign Camavinga worth as much as €70m (£62m).
Camavinga has started just two of Real Madrid’s 11 La Liga games so far this season, but the Spanish giants are reportedly maintaining their position that they won’t sell the France international without welcoming an adequate replacement.
Xabi Alonso’s recent praise reflects that position, handing Newcastle a frustrating obstacle to overcome if they want to secure the midfielder’s signature.
The dynamism that Alonso mentioned would be vital for Newcastle. It would take Howe’s midfield from robust to controlling and that change would only help bridge the gap on the Premier League’s top sides.
PIF have the money to spend and Camavinga would certainly start in Tyneside. Whether Real Madrid are willing to change their sale stance remains to be seen, however.
Newcastle star is "all over the place" after West Ham defeat
Seamer asked to remain on standby for World Cup despite omission from initial squad
Valkerie Baynes24-Sep-2025Kate Cross has lost her England contract, capping a difficult month in which she also learned she had been overlooked for the World Cup.Cross revealed that England Women’s head coach Charlotte Edwards and director of cricket Jonathan Finch had told her during a post-season appraisal in August that her central contract wouldn’t be renewed, after playing 102 matches for her country across formats in an international career spanning nearly 12 years.”I had my appraisal with Lot and Finchy, our director of cricket, and they just told me that I’m not going to get my England contract renewed next year,” Cross said in a pre-recorded segment for the latest episode of , the podcast that she co-hosts with best friend and former team-mate Alex Hartley. “So as of October this year, 2025, I will not be a professional cricketer for England anymore.””I was dreading saying that, I feel sick,” Cross added in the episode released on Tuesday.Cross had her appraisal in early August, on the eve of the Hundred, in which she was ultimately part of the Northern Superchargers side that won the title, and learned of her World Cup omission partway through the tournament. She also revealed that Edwards had approached her after the Hundred to be a reserve for the World Cup.”I had a phonecall with Lottie at the end of the Hundred where she was like: ‘Look if you’re willing, can you keep training through October? Because if an injury goes down to one of the seamers, we are going to need you.’ That’s the bit I’m finding tough, because the end point isn’t now for me,” Cross said. “I’m back at Old Trafford next week bowling. It’s not been great. But I also have to think if an injury does go down, I have to go and be ready to play for England in a World Cup.”Cross claimed two wickets in the Hundred final to help power Northern Superchargers to the title•Julian Finney/Getty ImagesWith England Women’s central contracts due to be announced in December, Cross said she had a bad feeling about her future at the end of England’s home ODI series with India, which the hosts lost 2-1 in late July.”I started the India series opening the bowling for England as vice-captain, and I finished that series not even making the 13 that was named the night before, for the squad to play in that last ODI,” Cross said. “Lottie said to me, in a chat the day before the game, that it was a must-win game and I’m not part of the 13. As a cricketer who’s always prided myself on being a reliable bowler for your captain, who would hopefully stand up in big moments and do what I’ve done for a while for England, that was pretty tough to hear. I felt like a lot of trust had been lost quite quickly.”I’m not daft, I’m old enough and wise enough, and been around the block plenty of times to know that something’s happened there that might mean my future is maybe in a little bit of jeopardy.”When I came out of that India series, I felt a little bit lost and I didn’t feel like Lottie trusted me that much, having started the series where I did. I even said to Lottie, ‘I’m not daft, I know I didn’t bowl great (in the first ODI) at Southampton’. I didn’t feel like it was a droppable offence, but I know that wasn’t me at my best.”Cross wondered whether the back injury that she sustained in South Africa last year meant she had “lost a little bit of something”. Though she remained with the squad for England’s subsequent Ashes campaign in Australia, she didn’t play a match as England were whitewashed by seven matches to none.”That’s the stuff that you come to terms with, I guess, but I don’t quite feel like that’s the case,” she said. “I feel like I still have a lot to give the team and I know everyone that gets pushed out will say that, they’ll say that they always still felt like they’ve got stuff to give.Related
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“I’m so aware that my international career had to come to an end at some point, and it was going to be unlikely that I’d get to do it on my terms, because not many people get the privilege of finishing it on their terms. So I always knew that this would be probably how it was done, that I wouldn’t be ready for it.”But I think it’s just the speed of it. I honestly think in a couple of months’ time, a couple of years’ time, I might look back and be really pleased at how quickly it all happened, so I’ve not had to do that year of getting phased out and doing drinks and stuff like that. But I’m also sat here questioning whether I want to play cricket again.”With all this going on, Cross was also part of the Lancashire side which won the inaugural Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s title on Sunday. She was unsure whether she would seek out a domestic contract for next year and said she would spend the winter away from the game deciding what she wanted to do.”Lottie has, to be fair to her, kept reaching out saying, ‘can we have a chat?’ and I’m like, there’s no point for me yet because I don’t know what to say,” Cross said. “I don’t have anything to say to you that’s going to make me feel better.”The chat might make her feel better, but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. That almost feels like something that might happen next year or in two years’ time, or maybe never.”
The 2025 MLB season has certainly not gone the way Justin Verlander hoped when he signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants in January.
Through 14 starts, Verlander has posted a 4.84 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings pitched. He also has yet to record a win.
Verlander has qualified for a win—going at least five innings on the bump—in 10 of his 14 starts this season. The Giants have gone 3-11 in his 14 outings and haven't won a Verlander start since May 18—a 3–2 win over the Athletics when he allowed two runs on three hits and five walks in four innings.
The 42-year-old Verlander is just the eighth pitcher this century to fail to record a win in his first 14 starts of the season (minimum 70 innings pitched).
MLB pitchers with no wins in first 14 starts of season (min. 70 IP; since 2000)
PLAYER
TEAM (YEAR)
ERA (RECORD)
FIRST WIN
Justin Verlander
Giants (2025)
4.84 (0-6)
—
Jordan Lyles
Royals (2023)
6.89 (0-11)
June 24 (16th start)
Blake Snell
Rays (2017)
4.98 (0-6)
Aug. 15 (16th start)
Jerad Eickhoff
Phillies (2017)
4.93 (0-7)
July 9 (15th start)
Marco Estrada
Brewers (2012)
4.64 (0-5)
Aug. 21 (16th start)
Kenshin Kawakami
Braves (2010)
4.78 (0-9)
June 26 (15th start)
Kevin Millwood
Orioles (2010)
5.16 (0-8)
June 19 (15th start)
Tanyon Sturtze
Rays (2002)
4.79 (0-8)
June 26 (16th start)
To Verlander's credit, he has logged five quality starts (at least six innings and three or fewer runs allowed), but San Francisco haven't given him much run support, especially in those games.
There have only been four pitchers in MLB history to start at least 14 games and not record a win over a full season—Paolo Espino (2022), Spencer Howard (2021), Ryne Stanek (2019) and Vida Blue (1983). Espino started the year in the bullpen for the Washington Nationals, and Howard and Stanek were used as openers for their respective teams. Blue floated in and out of the bullpen for the 1983 Kansas City Royals.
The good news for Verlander? All seven other pitchers on the above chart were able to notch their first win of the season in their 15th or 16th start. Perhaps a bit of good fortune awaits the veteran before the All-Star break.
Aaron Boone's status as Yankees manager will once again be intensely dissected as the pinstripes were bounced from the postseason on Wednesday night by the Blue Jays. Cam Schlittler was unable to replicate his historic October debut and Toronto put the finishing touches on a gentleman's sweep to earn a spot in the ALCS.
Boone was classy in defeat but some fans are beginning to wonder—or continue to wonder—if he's the right guy for the job. As just a quick reminder, the Yankees made the World Series last year but in the case of Boone it's both "what have you done for me lately" and "what have you done for me before that."
Which isn't a defense of the manager, just an observation that few coaching jobs in sports demand success like that of Yankees skipper. Although those who are frustrated by Boone returning year after year might argue that.
Fox's postgame dug into the inevitable conversation after the Blue Jays' 5-2 victory and Alex Rodriguez was quick to offer some perspective.
"Honestly, from the entire organization, [Aaron Boone] is the guy I would circle that is the least to blame," the former Yankees great said.
"He's got a lot of talent but for me personally one of the worst construction of a roster I've ever seen," he continued. "You have three left-handed catchers. You have five DHs. You have a first baseman in and out. It's just a very difficult hand for Boone and honestly they were exposed against a much better Jays team."
Rodriguez makes some solid points. It would be hard for anyone who watched these four games between the AL East rivals to claim that the Yankees were better and fumbled the bag. But that evidence isn't going to make anyone feel better or do much to convince those who want to move on from Boone to stay the course.
Going to be a long winter. And a long season next year if Boone does stays because they're only one thing he can do to quiet the doubters.
Another week, another dollar for Liverpool. Up next is an Anfield clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, and Arne Slot knows he has to win this one.
That should go without saying, of course, but the fact of the matter is that Liverpool have lost eight of their past 11 matches across all competitions, and two of their past three at Anfield.
A big response is needed, and curiously, it feels like there’s a good chance that will be delivered against the Dutch side. Whether it will be sustained is another matter, though, and Slot needs to find and instil a formula that can be carried back over to the Premier League, with West Ham United waiting in London on Sunday.
The Reds have to overcome their current malaise, and maybe they need to start Alexander Isak once again.
Why Isak should start vs PSV
Hugo Ekitike is waiting in the wings, and having been Liverpool’s most efficient forward this season, may well be disheartened by being benched once again here, especially after his side and Isak produced a staggeringly bad performance at the weekend against Nottingham Forest.
Minutes played
68′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
14
Shots (on target)
1 (0)
Accurate passes
5/7 (71%)
Possession lost
7x
Chances created
1
Dribbles
0/1
Tackles won
0/0
Duels won
0/7
The Sweden striker, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on transfer deadline day this summer, has not yet scored in the Premier League, his only goal coming against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The 26-year-old is one of the best strikers in the world and a proven behemoth in England. But it’s not worked out thus far, and Slot has to find some answers – quickly.
Liverpool cannot allow this rut to devolve into something more permanent. Already, chatter concerning the boss’s future is rising, and he needs to prove he can rewire his team to overcome their many problems.
The free-scoring success of Isak will be essential in righting the wrongs of recent months.
If Isak is to be handed another chance to develop his fitness levels under the European lights on Wednesday, Slot should also consider handing another rarely-seen star a role from the opening.
Slot must unleash Liverpool's Semenyo-esque talent
While Cody Gakpo has played many minutes off the left wing this season, there is a sense that Liverpool need a contrasting profile. Someone like Luis Diaz.
But, with Diaz sold to Bayern Munich, rumours are rising regarding Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo, who has been in fine fettle for Bournemouth this season.
Semenyo, 25, has notched six goals and three assists from 11 Premier League matches this season, and he has been hailed as a “world-class” forward by his teammate Justin Kluivert.
He’s available in January, his £65m release clause then becoming active, but whether Liverpool should strike a deal for the Ghanaian when they have a talent like Rio Ngumoha in their ranks remains to be seen.
Ngumoha, 17, announced himself and then some earlier this season when scoring a last-gasp winner away at Newcastle in August, but Slot has since proved reluctant to hand him minutes on the biggest stage.
Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha
Given that Liverpool opted against paying out for a direct Diaz heir to keep a pathway open for the England U19 star, whose five Premier League cameos this term combine for a total of 42 minutes of action, this is questionable.
Now, while Liverpool need to win against PSV, Ngumoha could be handed a significant show of faith by starting in the Champions League, with his pace and potency and willingness to be direct potentially perfect for Isak. Just look at the connection the Swede forged with Anthony Gordon over the past few years on Tyneside.
Described as a “generational talent” by journalist Kevin Fernandes, Ngumoha was given 12 minutes off the bench at the weekend, and while he was unable to turn the tide against the Tricky Trees, he certainly offered more than Gakpo, with Sofascore recording that he completed all three attempted dribbles and won three duels.
This could be a move that not only bears dividends for Isak and Ngumoha, but also rekindle the belief in Slot’s vision. Liverpool fans are passionate, and the rise of a homegrown hero could project the kind of shining light Slot needs to prove he has what it takes to lead this club forward in the long run.
After all, Ngumoha has already demonstrated this season his capacity to succeed in the Premier League, and that winner at St. James’ Park established him as one of the competition’s youngest goalscorers of all time.
#
Player
Age
1
James Vaughan
16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2
James Milner
16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3
Wayne Rooney
16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4
Rio Ngumoha
16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5
Cesc Fabregas
17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days
He might be a raw and unpolished prospect, but Ngumoha is the real deal, and while we are not advocating for him to start every single match, it might be worthwhile to enforce a degree of rotation here ahead of Sunday’s must-win Premier League match at West Ham.
It would also help stabilise Isak, providing a presence to dart forward and stretch lines, playing into the record striker’s fast-running and line-breaking style of play.
The rumours concerning Liverpool’s interest in Semenyo are only going to intensify as the winter transfer window draws nearer.
But Liverpool already have a prodigious talent whose talent left FSG and Hughes opting against sourcing a direct Diaz replacement. Now it is time to unleash him.
Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool set to launch bid for £140m superstar
Liverpool could win a big upgrade on Alexis Mac Allister by landing this £140m superstar.
Manchester United continue to eye a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the Seagulls star’s thoughts of joining the Red Devils clear.
Baleba was a strong target for the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, with Ruben Amorim eyeing a move for a natural Casemiro replacement, ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
But in the end, the 21-year-old decided to remain at Brighton for the time being, where he was compared to Leicester City legend N’Golo Kante by Adam Virgo when he joined in 2023.
“For me, he’s not a Caicedo, he’s not like that at all. For me he’s more like an N’Golo Kante, in terms of his power and his pace to get around, he covers so much ground. He can certainly be slightly better on the ball, so he’ll have to adjust his game in that way but Brighton always do their due dillegence in terms of finding players of this age. He’s a typical Brighton signing.”
There is every chance that Baleba leaves Brighton sooner rather than later, though, potentially even in 2026, and a new update has dropped regarding United snapping him up.
Baleba "clearly" wants to join Man Utd
Speaking to TEAMtalk, transfer insider Dean Jones claimed that Baleba “clearly wants” to seal a move to Man Utd, but they won’t pay £100m for his services.
“It is being talked about again that Baleba is a priority target, but it has to be stressed that they [United] are not paying £100million for him any time soon. The player clearly wants the move, and their attempt to turn his head in the summer has worked, but his form has actually been worse since then, and so I do not see United going close to the level Brighton value him at.
“The message remains clear that United want a midfielder in January and also a midfielder in summer. So they are working on targets that are attainable in each of those, and the ones from the Premier League seem unattainable in January. That’s how the picture is for now.
“Obviously, these things can change, but Baleba is going to have to be very patient here because a lot is going on. United do still like him; they do still think he would suit the role, but his form and valuation do not match up at the moment. And on top of that, Brighton don’t want to sell him in January.”
Appearances
11
Starts
10
Minutes played
653
Goals
0
Assists
0
Tackles per game
1.1
Interceptions per game
0.9
Pass completion rate
85.3%
Baleba may not have necessarily found top form this season, possibly because of his head being turned by a move to United, and he should continue to be looked at as a leading option to be Casemiro’s successor.
Forget Bruno and De Ligt: Man Utd "monster" is looking like a new captain
This Manchester United star is now looking like captain material for Ruben Amorim this season.
ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025
The Cameroonian has been hailed as “wonderful” by Alan Shearer, and his box-to-box midfield brilliance could add so much to the Red Devils’ side, coming in as a long-term signing with world-class potential.
No Casemiro; Guehi & £100m "monster" sign: Man Utd's dream XI after January
Erling Haaland reportedly has an “escape route” out of Manchester City to Real Madrid, in a hugely concerning development for Pep Guardiola.
On current form, Haaland is arguably best player in the world, with the Norwegian in genuine unstoppable form so far this season, scoring 11 goals in just nine Premier League appearances.
He is a priceless figure for City, holding the key to Guardiola’s side’s title challenge, and at just 25, he is still such a young player, despite already achieving so much in his career.
Incredibly, Haaland is contracted at City until the summer of 2034, having committed his long-term future to the club, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a threat of losing him at some point.
Madrid have been linked with a move for the City superstar, with the Spanish giants so often eyeing up the best footballers on the planet, and now a worrying update has dropped regarding their pursuit of him.
Haaland has "escape route" out of Man City
According to journalist Jorge Picon [via Sport Witness], Haaland has an “escape route” to Madrid in a release clause at Manchester City, and is keen on making a move there.
It goes without saying that City losing Haaland would be the biggest blow imaginable, with the striker an irreplaceable figure who has been lauded as a “phenomenon” by Pat Nevin, with Guardiola saying he is in the form of his life back in September.
“Erling has been incredible. This season, he is better than ever. I would say it’s better than the treble season. Very dynamic. We want him to score goals and to help us.”
The lure of Madrid is great for so many players, and it is only natural that Haaland may like the idea of playing alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he appears to be loving life at City, and has committed his future to the club.
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ByDominic Lund Oct 31, 2025
Players in the modern game often don’t see out their contracts, so there will always be a risk of Haaland moving on, but it would be a shock if he suddenly stressed a desire to leave for Madrid so soon after signing such a long contract extension at the Etihad.
Where does Erling Haaland rank among Man City's highest-earning players?
Those of a Liverpool persuasion are no doubt braced for the imminent return to action, with Arne Slot’s struggling champions hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been anything but plain sailing for the Reds this season, and with only three points gained from their past six outings in the top flight, title-defending aspirations have devolved into fears that the Reds will miss out on Champions League qualification for only the second time in a decade.
Last season was nearly flawless until Slot’s champions eased standards toward the final stretch, save for Forest’s shock win at Anfield early in the campaign.
Liverpool will need to be at their best to ensure Sean Dyche does not heap more misery on his side. Set-pieces and long balls have been among the cruxes of this issue-ridden campaign, after all.
And they will have to make do without the creativity of Florian Wirtz, who has been ruled out with a muscle injury sustained with Germany.
The latest on Florian Wirtz's fitness
Wirtz is ruled out this weekend, having checked in after international action with a muscular problem. Conor Bradley is also sidelined, and for a longer period than the 22-year-old. However, Alisson Becker could make his anticipated return from injury.
Wirtz has been at the epicentre of Liverpool’s struggles this season, routinely hounded for his tough integration period after completing a £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in July. The playmaker has yet to score across 16 matches in all competitions, and he has not registered an assist in the Premier League.
Though he struggled during the defeat at Manchester City two weeks ago, Wirtz has shown signs of progress in recent games, and his creativity will be sorely missed against a resilient Forest backline whose low block and resilience under pressure will prove a tough nut to crack at Anfield – last season bears testament to that.
While Cody Gakpo will fancy a return to the starting line-up in Wirtz’s stead, Slot may want to consider a more dynamic option for this one.
And Slot may have just the solution in Liverpool’s new version of Divock Origi.
Slot must unleash Liverpool's new Origi
Origi has achieved cult status at Liverpool. The Belgian striker only scored 41 goals across 175 appearances for the outfit, but his catalogue of big-game moments is something to behold.
His goal in the 2019 Champions League final over Tottenham Hotspur immortalised him on Merseyside.
Divock Origi scores in the Champions League final
Now, Liverpool find themselves enjoying the skill of a new version in Federico Chiesa, who has been unable to nail down a starting role in Slot’s team since completing a £12.5m transfer from Juventus in 2024.
Chiesa toiled through his first year in England, but he’s played a bigger role since the summer, having notched two goals and three assists across all competitions this season. He has played 12 times, yet only two of those appearances have come from the opening whistle.
Liverpool’s Frontline in 2025/26
Player
Apps
Goals + Assists
Hugo Ekitike
16
6 + 1
Mohamed Salah
16
5 + 3
Cody Gakpo
16
4 + 3
Federico Chiesa
12
2 + 3
Alexander Isak
8
1 + 1
Florian Wirtz
16
0 + 3
Rio Ngumoha
7
1 + 0
Data via Transfermarkt
In the words of reporter Lewis Oldham, “Chiesa has undoubtedly been a flop for Liverpool”, but he’s simultaneously emerged as a “Divock Origi regen” in that he is a rare trump card off the bench and a popular figure besides.
Because for all the hardship Chiesa has been through since joining Liverpool, he has enjoyed some big moments in red. It was the 28-year-old who bagged a consolation in the Carabao Cup final, and he ensured Slot’s side made it a winning start to the current campaign after restoring Liverpool’s lead over Bournemouth back in August.
Chiesa’s wizardry on the ball and natural striker’s instinct could see him slot right into Wirtz’s berth, playing off the left and drifting centrally to accommodate Liverpool’s tactical flow.
Given that the Italian has also won 55% of his ground duels and averaged 0.8 tackles per Premier League fixture this term in spite of not having started a game, he might even be an apt fit for the physical battle that comes with a clash against the Tricky Trees.
Liverpool cannot afford another slip-up at the moment and must secure three points against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Given that Chiesa has been among the most coherent and dangerous forwards in Liverpool’s squad, surely it is time he earns a rare starting role in the big league?
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