Why Will Dominik Szoboszlai Not Play Against Sunderland?

Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the Liverpool vs Sunderland fixture on Wednesday after receiving a straight red card against Manchester City. Star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the game after receiving a straight red card in Liverpool's chaotic 2-1 loss to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The Dominik Szoboszlai red card came deep in stoppage time. Szoboszlai was deemed to have fouled Erling Haaland in a professional foul, denying an obvious goal-scoring chance while Alisson Becker pushed forward. Although City’s late goal was ruled out by VAR, officials upheld Szoboszlai’s red card, confirming his suspension for the Sunderland match.

Tactical Blow for Injury-Hit Reds

The suspension comes at a difficult time for Liverpool, who are already dealing with multiple defensive injuries. Szoboszlai has recently been used in multiple roles under Slot, including filling in at right-back due to a long list of injuries to Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Joe Gomez. His energy, pressing, and ability to carry the ball forward have made him an effective temporary solution at right-back while still supporting attacks.

Without him, Slot must improvise for Liverpool vs Sunderland. Options include untested academy prospects or reshuffling seniors, risking further imbalance. Liverpool's build-up play from the back, powered by Szoboszlai's transitions, now hangs in the balance against a Sunderland side eyeing exploits.

Why not a three-match ban?

While a straight red card often triggers a three-match suspension, the Dominik Szoboszlai red card is governed by specific FA disciplinary guidelines regarding the nature of the foul. Under Premier League rules, a three-game ban is reserved for "violent conduct" or "serious foul play," whereas the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) carries an automatic one-match suspension. Since Szoboszlai’s dismissal involved a tactical shirt-pull on Erling Haaland rather than a dangerous challenge, it is classified as a professional foul. Consequently, the midfielder will only miss the Liverpool vs Sunderland fixture, ensuring he remains available for the upcoming FA Cup clash against Brighton later this week.

Is Arne Slot Facing the Sack?

Tensions around Arne Slot have boiled over after Liverpool's narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester City. Slumped in sixth place in the Premier League, the Reds trail leaders Arsenal by 17 points and sit just four points behind the Champions League cutoff. Slot guided the team to the title in his first year, but a woeful 2026 stretch only one win in seven league outings, now jeopardises his job. Liverpool’s recent league struggles have increased pressure on Arne Slot as the club looks to secure a Champions League place. The Sunderland fixture now carries added importance as Liverpool aim to halt their poor run of form. Devoid of banned star Szoboszlai, Slot needs a victory on Wednesday to halt the slide or risk sparking boardroom talks about his tenure, fuelled by whispers of Xabi Alonso on their radar.