Three bold predictions for Liverpool in 2026 as Arne Slot faces a rollercoaster of a year - opinion
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The new year is almost upon us and for Liverpool, there could be some very big things in store.2025 is almost coming to a close and for the Reds, it has mostly been a good year after lifting the Premier League title. Who has been Liverpool’s best player in 2025?
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The start of the new campaign might not have gone exactly to plan, but winning the title alone is enough to overshadow that.However, the bar is set even higher for 2026 and Arne Slot has very lofty expectations, so here are three bold predictions for Liverpool next year.Liverpool win the Champions LeaguePhoto by Kristian Skeie – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesSaying that Liverpool will win any trophy right now seems pretty bold given how poor they have been in the Premier League, so saying they will win the Champions League seems a big leap.However, knowing the Reds’ history in Europe, this could be something they easily do, with a seventh European Cup certainly something that has a nice ring to it.Of course, there are many teams better than them in the competition, but Anfield can be a fortress for these big games, with this something that can get them over the line.It would also relieve a lot of pressure on Slot and prove that he is the right man for the job, at least that is until the new season rolls around.Arne Slot gets sacked by LiverpoolPhoto by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesAlthough we are predicting him to win the Champions League, our second bold prediction is that Slot gets sacked early into the 2026/27 season.Roberto Di Matteo suffered a similar fate at Chelsea in 2012, with the Italian fired in November, less than six months after he guided them to their first UCL title.The same could happen with Slot if he does not start the season perfectly, especially given that if not, it would be the second time he has been through a bad patch while in charge.As mentioned, the pressure on the Dutchman will be high in 2026, even higher if they do win the Champions League too, so we think Liverpool could be pretty brutal and it will result in him losing his job.Giorgi Mamardashvili becomes the first-choice goalkeeper Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesThe third and final prediction is certainly still bold, but it is perhaps the most realistic of the three, as we think Giorgi Mamardashvili will replace Alisson in goal.Liverpool have the option to extend the Brazilian’s contract by another year, keeping him at the club until 2027, and we reckon they will do this but then sell him in the summer.There is no denying he still has plenty to give, but at 33, as well as being very injury-prone, it might be time to pass the baton on, with 25-year-old Mamardashvili ready for this responsibility.Having a keeper of his quality sit on the bench for another season seems a little silly, especially when they could get at least a little bit of money for Alisson, so we think the Georgian will be first-choice come August. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox