Jurgen Klopp has a number of tough decisions to make ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Wolves next weekend
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they travel to Wolves, again, and look to bounce back after their last-minute FA Cup loss to Brighton.
The Reds drew 2-2 at home to the West Midlands outfit earlier this month before Harvey Elliott’s spectacular long-range effort set up a fourth round clash with the Seagulls. However, a last-minute strike from Kaoru Mitoma saw Liverpool’s cup defence come to a premature end.
Jurgen Klopp’s side currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points of the top four, while Wolves sit about the relegation zone on goal-difference alone. And with Liverpool winless since their last trip to Molineux, we take a look at the changes the German could make as the Reds’ look to reignite their fortunes once more against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was given another torrid afternoon by Mitoma at the Amex Stadium, and was visibly unimpressed when replaced on the hour-mark and sitting on the bench. However, Klopp would defend the right-back after the final whistle, admitting the right-back did not get support on the right-hand side.
If Liverpool wish to make a change, James Milner could return to the starting XI at right-back or Joe Gomez could switch to the flanks with Joel Matip coming in at centre-back. But while the Reds were unable to make it three clean sheets in a row on Sunday, it would still be a surprise to see Alexander-Arnold, who remains one of their most creative players, drop out.
As a result, it’s an unchanged back five with Virgil van Dijk not yet fit after a hamstring injury.
Milner in midfield
While Milner might not get the nod at right-back, he could come in to captain the side in midfield in place of Naby Keita and to offer Alexander-Arnold the support he was missing against Brighton.
The veteran continues to impress whenever turned to, and more in-form than alternatives Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, or Curtis Jones, is deserving of selection if Klopp wishes to rotate.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Elliott are also options, but Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara look set to keep their places.
Darwin down the left
Having come on as a substitute in Liverpool’s last two matches, Darwin Nunez is set to return to Klopp’s starting XI against Wolves. However, with Cody Gakpo seemingly first-choice in the central role at the moment, the Uruguayan will have to make do with a place on the left.
Elliott is unfortunate to drop out as a result despite a lively showing against Brighton, which saw him open the scoring, with Mohamed Salah almost certain to keep his place despite a recent lack of form.
Liverpool possible starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Gomez, Robertson; Milner, Bajcetic, Thiago; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.
SOURCE: liverpoolecho.co.uk
