By Dan Clubbe
After a humbling defeat last time out in the Premier League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp might welcome the respite offered by FA Cup football when Wolves arrive at Anfield!
Despite being current holders of the oldest domestic cup competition in the glorious game, the Reds’ priorities may already lie elsewhere as a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League football takes precedent.
However, for Klopp, this clash does present another opportunity to find some form, get important minutes into key players and perhaps spark life into his misfiring squad!
Here’s how we should line up: Formation 4-3-3
Despite seemingly a rare chance for Caoimhin Kelleher to feature in goal, the Irishman and common cup ‘keeper looks set to miss out as Alisson has been given the nod by Klopp for FA Cup duty.
Andy Robertson was a much-needed spark of inspiration against Brentford but he will likely make way this time for Kostas Tsimikas. Albeit a harrowing night, Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of very few players to leave west London following a performance to be remotely satisfied with, however, either Calvin Ramsay or James Milner should step into the right-back berth here.
Virgil van Dijk is facing a period on the sidelines with a hamstring issue, therefore Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez could make up the centre-back partnership for this one.
Thiago needs to be protected at all costs, and as such, a midfield three of a returning to form Fabinho, master of the false dawn Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson may make up the centre of the park. However, after missing a training session this week, Keita could once again be sidelined, leaving space for either Curtis Jones or Stefan Bajcetic to step in.
Darwin Nunez continues his quest for goalscoring form, whilst the ever-prolific Mohamed Salah is given his own welcome break. Exciting youngster Ben Doak may fill the void left behind by the Egyptian and we should also see a full debut for new signing Cody Gakpo!
Hopefully, we will get a much-improved display and with it, a spot in the FA Cup fourth round…
Lineup prediction: Alisson; Ramsay, Gomez, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Doak, Gakpo, Nunez.
Score prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Wolves
See how Chloe thinks Klopp will go on this week’s Starting XI Prediction Show…
