While the perception of a new-look Liverpool frontline department suggests it has been a struggle for Arne Slot, the Premier League champions only have one goal fewer than at the same stage last season. Back then, Slot's side were riding high, just a point behind leaders Manchester City with 17 scored after nine games.

Liverpool entertain Aston Villa on Saturday night having registered 16 goals so far this term after the same amount of fixtures, but the five shipped at the other end in 2024 is, alarmingly, now up to 14.

Such a porous backline sees the the Reds enter the weekend in seventh and they could find themselves 10 points behind table-topping Arsenal by the time the 8pm kick-off gets underway at Anfield.

Slot...