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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle & Paul Gorst & Theo Squires

Liverpool line-ups for Wolves as Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate decisions made

Ian Doyle - Time to freshen things up

In the midst of a run of some important games, it's time for a change at Liverpool. And I'd be making plenty against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at Anfield this evening.

The one constant remains Alisson Becker in goal, however. And Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson can stay at centre-back and left-back respectively.

Ibrahima Konate is again fit and can come into the heart of defence while James Milner can switch to right-back and give Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest. Midfield is completely different. Fabinho returns as the anchor, with young legs in Stefan Bajcetic to his left and Harvey Elliott to his right.

And the time has come for Cody Gakpo to have a breather. Darwin Nunez, now available, can play down the middle, with Mohamed Salah on the right and Diogo Jota getting another start down the left.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Milner, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliott, Bajcetic; Salah, Nunez, Jota

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Paul Gorst - Konate comes in and Henderson keeps place

So for what feels like the umpteeth time this calendar year already, Liverpool meet Wolves.

Last time out, at Molinuex, was one of the lowest moments of the season for the Reds but somehow they are still invested in a fight for the top four. If they are serious about hauling back Tottenham then they need to win their games in hand, starting with this one this evening.

Does Ibrahima Konate return? Given the shakiness of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, I am going to recall the France international for this one. The defender hasn't played much all season but an extended run in the side now is very much needed alongside Virgil van Dijk.

In midfield, Stefan Bajcetic returns alongside Fabinho as Jordan Henderson keeps his place. I was tempted to start Harvey Elliott but the captain earns a reprieve, while Fabinho has generally been improved in recent weeks despite an unsteady cameo off the bench in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

Up top, Darwin Nunez starts off the left and I am going to drop Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo out with Roberto Firmino getting his first start since November.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Bajcetic, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Nunez

Theo Squires - Nunez and Bajcetic return

After the dismal draw away at Crystal Palace, Liverpool have to return to winning ways against Wolves. As a result, changes are again needed.

However, the back five remains the same. I’d love to put Ibrahima Konate back in the starting XI but, after injury, he will be managed carefully - as was the case with Virgil van Dijk last case. As a result, Joel Matip just about hangs onto his place, with Trent Alexander-Arnold equally fortunate after both struggled at Selhurst Park.

Harvey Elliott was a rare bright spark for the Reds after coming on against Palace so he’s back in the starting XI in place of Naby Keita. Fabinho and Stefan Bajcetic also earn recalls in place of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, with the temptation to change formation and trial the pair as double sixes in a 4-2-3-1 resisted for now.

And Darwin Nunez is recalled in attack in place of Diogo Jota. Jurgen Klopp said he came through training okay despite his shoulder injury, so fingers crossed he’s back in the mix as he’s Liverpool's best chance of victory these days.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

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