Liverpool have plenty of time to stew over their 3-1 humbling at the hands of Brentford before returning to action against Wolves in the FA Cup on Saturday.
With their cup defence getting underway at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp will hope it can provide a welcome distraction to the Reds’ recent failings in the Premier League as they look to play their way back into form.
New signing Cody Gakpo is in line to make his Liverpool debut against the West Midlands outfit, but it would be a surprise if he is the only change given the Reds’ dismal showing in the capital.
READ MORE: FSG seal Liverpool deal as new midfielders finally arrive - predictions for 2023
READ MORE: Liverpool stance on Matheus Nunes confirmed as January transfer obstacle emerges
And considering a number of players have suffered with small injuries since the World Cup break, we take a look at the side Klopp could name to face Wolves…
Robertson recalled as Kelleher comes in
With Liverpool’s League Cup defence already over, Caoimhin Kelleher comes in in goal in place of Alisson for only his third appearance of the season.
Calvin Ramsay is currently sidelined with an unspecified injury, while James Milner hasn’t featured since the League Cup loss to Man City after picking up a thigh injury. While the Reds’ vice-captain could be fit to return against Wolves, he’s kept in reserve with Joe Gomez starting at right-back.
Ibrahima Konate keeps his place at centre-back having made his return following the World Cup against Brentford, and is partnered by Nat Phillips. Meanwhile, Andy Robertson returns at left-back in place of Kostas Tsimikas, who struggled against the Bees, and captains the side.
Joel Matip is an alternative at centre-back, while Virgil van Dijk is given the night off after limping off at half-time against Brentford.
All-change in midfield
Having impressed off the bench against Brentford, Naby Keita is handed his first start of the season following injury. Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic gets another chance to start as Liverpool’s holding midfielder.
Curtis Jones is available again after making his own return from injury off the bench against the Bees, while Jordan Henderson could return after missing the trip to the capital with a concussion. Milner is also an option if passed fit.
However, having caught the eye in the front three over the festive period, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain keeps his starting berth and is given a start in his favoured midfield role.
YOUR SAY: Who should be in Klopp's pick vs Wolves? Select your XI below
Gakpo handed debut as Doak starts
Roberto Firmino hasn’t featured since the restart because of injury but if passed fit, comes straight in to start as the central striker, as both Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are spared.
Cody Gakpo is handed a Liverpool debut in his favoured position on the left, with promising youngster Ben Doak handed a first start for the Reds on the opposing flank.
However, if Firmino isn’t fit, Fabio Carvalho is also an option to start in attack, with Gakpo instead stationed in a central position.
Possible Liverpool starting XI: Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Phillips, Robertson; Keita, Bajcetic, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Doak, Firmino, Gakpo.
READ NEXT
Fabinho's furious gesture spotted as sneering Brentford chant overheard against Liverpool
Enzo Fernandez 'very close' to £112m transfer after Liverpool rumours
Liverpool analysis - Harvey Elliott change needed as two players offer hope to Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool have crossed unforgivable line as Alisson quietly hints at huge problem
Jude Bellingham latest as transfer 'preference' emerges amid Liverpool rumours
