Overview

• Alexander Isak is still without a Premier League goal for Liverpool, with his only strike coming in the League Cup since a British-record move from Newcastle.
• Liverpool’s 2-1 home loss to Manchester United was their fourth straight defeat in all competitions, increasing scrutiny on selection up front.
• Wayne Rooney says Isak should not start ahead of Hugo Ekitike, blaming the striker’s lack of pre-season and current sharpness.
• Gary Lineker counters that Isak is playing catch-up after a disrupted summer and argues he should be given time, echoing Arne Slot’s recent claim that the forward is nearing full fitness.
• Micah Richards and Gabriel Agbonlahor question Isak’s form and his connection with Mohamed Salah, backing Ekitike’s stronger early-season return as Slot prepares for Wednesday’s trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.