Jurgen Klopp has vowed to name as strong a side as possible as Liverpool look to shake off their recent slump, when they face Wolves in the FA Cup.
The Reds survived an almighty scare at Anfield earlier this month, securing a replay virtue of a series of hugely controversial decisions. And while they had luck on their side to get a draw on that occasion, fortune eluded them last weekend as they were thrashed 3-0 by Brighton.
The heavy defeat at the Amex was their second successive one in the Premier League, leaving them marooned in midtable. Klopp had suggested the replay at Molineux was better for the hosts, although Julen Lopetegui’s side have their full focus on the battle against the drop.
After Tuesday night’s clash in the Midlands, Liverpool will be back in league action against Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime - a fixture time sure to frustrate an already annoyed Klopp. Nevertheless, he has suggested he will go almost full strenght against Wolves, telling reporters: "We go as strong as we can. Not all players who played the last game are available now, for different reasons.
"We will make changes, that's clear. We need fresh legs. We have to make decisions about the lineup and we will."
With that in mind, here’s how MIrror Football thinks Liverpool will line-up in the Black Country when they take on a rejuvenated Wolves side.
Goalkeeper - Alisson
Caoimhin Kelleher had previously been used as Klopp’s ‘cup keeper’ but that position is now being filled by his starting stopper. “In the FA Cup, it’s always Alisson. Last year, I forgot the exact reason, Caoimhin played one game – I think Ali only came back the day before the game. It is clear we have Caoimhin, but it’s Alisson.”
The Brazilian made a shocking error during the 2-2 draw, gifting Goncalo Guedes the opening goal. He'll be hoping for a quieter night this time around.
Defenders - Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Konate, Tsimikas
Joe Gomez earns a rare start and with a back four including Joel Matip hardly showering themselves in glory, it’s a good chance to send a reminder to Klopp. He lines up next to Ibrahima Konate, with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back.
On the opposite flank, Andy Robertson is given a rare night off and while James Milner could fill in, Kostas Tsimikas isa like-for-like swap. The Greek international has struggled for opportunities and will look to make a point against a struggling Wolves side.
Midfielders - Fabinho, Keita, Milner
Milner will get the nod in midfield and will join Naby Keita and Fabinho despite the latter suffering a chronic lack of form. Keita looks destined to be on the move, either in January or in the summer, but can earn himself a starting berth with the midfield the root of many of their recent struggles.
Forwards - Salah, Gakpo, Carvalho
Klopp has suggested that he only has ‘two senior strikers available’ with Darwin Nunez - who scored in the first clash - a major injury doubt. That could encourage the Liverpool boss to change formation and play 4-4-2, rather than his established 4-3-3.
However, that appears a rather radical change, particularly with Klopp claiming he will go as strong as possible. That could give Fabio Carvalho the chance to start from the side, a clear sign of the current lack of depth given injuries to Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and the aforementioned Nunez.
Liverpool predicted XI at Wolves (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Keita, Milner; Salah, Gakpo, Carvalho.
