Liverpool will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield this evening in their Premier League clash and Jurgen Klopp could look to the depth in his squad to improve upon the dull display at Selhurst Park last weekend.
The Reds left south London with a point but the overall performance in the stalemate result should be a massive wake-up call for the manager and the players in their efforts to climb the table to earn a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four over the remaining 15 league fixtures.
Despite losing to Wolves in the league already this season, Liverpool have only lost twice in their last 20 home league fixtures against the Midlands club and have won three of their last four league games at Anfield, so it puts Klopp’s side in a good position to snatch all three points from the meeting tonight.
In terms of injuries, Calvin Ramsay, Luis Diaz, Thiago Alcantara and Joe Gomez are ruled out of the clash, however, the side has been given a big boost with Ibrahima Konate expected to return as an option in the back-line whilst Arthur Melo has been working hard with the U21s to finally earn a starting spot.
The biggest boost is the return of Darwin Nunez, with the Liverpool boss confirming in his pre-match press conference that the Uruguayan striker may be available for selection:
“Darwin trained yesterday with us. Let’s see if it’s good enough for being part of the squad.”
What could Liverpool’s XI look like against Wolves?
Alisson Becker (GK), Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB), Ibrahima Konate (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Andy Robertson (LB), Fabinho (CDM), Stefan Bajcetic (LCM), Jordan Henderson (RCM), Mohammed Salah (RW), Darwin Nunez (ST), Diogo Jota (LW).
We predict that Klopp could make four changes to the starting side that drew with Palace – retaining his classic 4-3-3 formation in the meeting with Julen Lopetegui’s side.
The first change we expect to see is in the defensive set up with Konate replacing Gomez alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre-back partnership, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson retain their roles in the wider positions.
Indeed, Gomez endured a “nightmare” v Madrid last week – as per Canadian journalist Demar Grant – and thus shouldn’t be in contention for another start.
The second and third change we predict is a shuffle in the centre of the pitch with Stefan Bajcetic and Fabinho joining club captain Jordan Henderson in midfield with Naby Keita and James Milner left on the bench.
Bajcetic – hailed an “exceptional talent” by presenter Roopa Vyas – was left out of the starting line up at the weekend and there is no doubt his youthful energy was sorely missed, so getting him back into the midfield three could give Liverpool a big boost.
Our fourth and final expected change is Nunez’s return to the striker role to replace Cody Gakpo in the attacking threat alongside Mohammed Salah and Diogo Jota.
A crucial three points this evening will help Liverpool further close the gap with Tottenham Hotspur inside the top four and would put them six points adrift, so changing up the team could be the perfect way for Klopp to bring his team back to life and could considerably improve upon the performance last weekend.
