Ekitike's Suspension Opens Door: Could Isak Debut for Liverpool in Premier League Start?

Alexander Isak is in line to potentially make his first Premier League start for Liverpool in their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. This opportunity arises due to the suspension of Hugo Ekitike, who received a red card for removing his shirt during a goal celebration in the game against Southampton on Tuesday.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot has been carefully integrating the Swedish striker into the team since his high-profile transfer to Anfield on deadline day for a British record of $170 million. Isak's pre-season was somewhat disrupted, and Slot has been managing his playing time to ensure he reaches full match fitness.

Isak has already featured in the Champions League and English League Cup, marking his debut with a goal in the latter against Southampton. However, he hasn't yet played a full 90 minutes for Liverpool, having been substituted at halftime in the midweek game. Slot has indicated that he doesn't anticipate Isak being completely match-fit until after the international break next month.

Despite not yet being at peak fitness, Isak's potential Premier League debut is generating considerable excitement. His reputation as a deadly finisher, highlighted by his 32 goals for Newcastle and Sweden last season, has fans eager to see him in action. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Isak is expected to be a key focus of attention.

Federico Chiesa is another option for Liverpool to replace Ekitike, following an impressive performance against Southampton where he provided two assists. Slot has a decision to make on who will fill the void left by Ekitike's suspension, with both Isak and Chiesa presenting strong cases.

Liverpool currently holds a 100% record in the top flight. However, they suffered a defeat against Crystal Palace on penalties in the Community Shield in August, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.

The game against Crystal Palace takes place at Selhurst Park.


Written By
Diya Menon is an enthusiastic journalist, eager to contribute fresh perspectives to the evolving media landscape, driven by a passion for sports. With a recent degree in communication studies, Diya is particularly interested in social trends and compelling human-interest stories within her community. She's dedicated to delivering well-researched and engaging content, aiming to uncover and share narratives that resonate deeply with the local population, while also actively following the latest in sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 SportsBuzz360