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If the initial months of Arne Slot's first season were about unexpectedly shifting expectations, his second season seems to be following a similar pattern, albeit for entirely different reasons.
Now, as Liverpool's manager, he faces a tough decision on Wednesday, as his revamped squad reaches an unexpected crossroads early in the season. Given the extensive changes to the Reds' team - driven by both necessity and strategy - some growing pains were expected.
However, even Slot couldn't have predicted the challenges he's faced in recent weeks. Liverpool hasn't experienced such a losing streak since the disappointing autumn of 2009, with the Reds hoping to avoid equalling that unfortunate run of six losses in seven games when they host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
Due to current circumstances, a competition that has traditionally been fourth on Liverpool's priority list - perhaps even more so after reaching the final in the last two seasons - has taken on increased significance.
Slot, having taken several selection risks in recent weeks to shake his team out of their slump, now faces the decision of whether to maintain his usual approach to the early rounds of the competition.
This would involve fielding a second-string team and potentially enduring more short-term setbacks, with the hope of preserving key players for the remaining three matches before next month's international break.
In reality, the options available to the Liverpool manager may be limited. Alexander Isak is expected to continue his stint on the sidelines, joined by Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Curtis Jones is also a significant doubt after being forced off during Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Brentford due to a groin problem, while it seems unlikely that Ryan Gravenberch will be risked following an ankle issue that has kept him out of the last two games.
Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and Rio Ngumoha, who all started in the 2-1 home victory over Southampton in the previous round, are likely to feature again.
There could also be an opportunity for 19-year-old winger Kieran Morrison, who was on the bench at Brentford after contributing to all five goals for the U19s in the team's UEFA Youth League win at Eintracht Frankfurt just days earlier.
Alexis Mac Allister's need for game time could see him starting, a prospect that seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago. The big question is who will be between the sticks. A year ago, when Alisson was sidelined with a hamstring issue, backup Caoimhin Kelleher was given a rest, and Vitezslav Jaros made his first Liverpool start in a 3-2 victory at Brighton.
If Slot follows this pattern, it could mean a debut for summer recruit Freddie Woodman, ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili. Palace has played a key role in exposing the weaknesses in Liverpool's season so far.
The London club's win, albeit on penalties, in the Community Shield at Wembley in August, showed that the Reds are still finding their feet, while the dramatic Premier League victory at Selhurst Park ended Liverpool's perfect start to the team's title defence and sowed the first seeds of doubt that led to Slot's team not gaining a point since.
The match over a month ago was between the only two unbeaten teams in the Premier League at the time. However, since then, both teams have only managed one win each in any competition, suggesting they were both in somewhat deceptive positions.
Signs suggest a challenging viewing experience for the Anfield faithful, with Liverpool having won only one of its last five matches against Palace. While no one will claim that a win on Wednesday would signify a turning point, it would certainly be a step in the right direction. The Carabao Cup could once again hold significance for the Reds.
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