Liverpool begin their defence of the FA Cup this evening, with Wolverhampton Wanderers the third-round opponents. Down in 19th in the Premier League, they recently appointed Julen Lopetegui, and it will be Jürgen Klopp’s first meeting with former Real Madrid and Spain manager.
Darwin Nuñez has been dominating recent discussion at one end of the pitch for Liverpool. While the defence has come under major scrutiny, shipping goals with far too much regularity, things would have a different complexion if the Uruguayan had buried at least a few more of his 15 missed big chances. Some of the Erling Haaland comparisons would certainly be a little more favourable.
Yet he continues to create chaos wherever he goes, proving to be a major handful for defences. Even in the midst of this mini-drought following the World Cup break, most Liverpool supporters would probably be more confident if he were to be named on the team sheet for the game with Wolves.
One player who is very likely to feature is new signing Cody Gakpo. Amid ongoing injury struggles for Liverpool, he will be offer a major boost to the left flank — hopefully an exciting debut awaits.
We asked Liverpool fan Nick Sapia a few questions about the Reds.
Cody Gakpo could debut today vs Wolves. Would you put him in from the start?
Why not, right? He’s likely not entirely up to speed but has a couple training sessions under his belt. So as long as the staff feels he’s match fit, I’d like to see him start. The best way to get him firing with Mohamed Salah and Núñez is to quickly get them as many minutes on the pitch together as possible.
How many changes to the team would you make in total?
Some changes will be needed at a minimum due to injuries. However, judging from the press conference, Klopp is not going to make wholesale changes, which is the right call. You can take a chance on this game because it’s a cup match, but it’s essential to use the competitive minutes to get Gakpo integrated and figure out how the team are going to navigate the rest of the season with this personnel.
Gakpo’s arrival can shift Oxlade-Chamberlain back to midfield, where we clearly have a gaping hole. Let’s see what he can offer in midfield against Wolves. Naby Keïta’s appearance on Monday showed what a difference having an experienced midfielder in the squad can make, although he shares some culpability for the third goal. Now, it sounds like he missed training this week and may not be available.
My XI would be Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konaté, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Nuñez, Gakpo.
How big a priority is the FA Cup this season?
The cup wins last season showcased Liverpool’s tremendous squad depth. Nearly every senior player contributed at least a small part somewhere on the road to the trophy. That said, we’re in a much different place this season, and the depth is not there to go all out on the remaining three fronts. Securing a top-four finish has to be the priority, and if we’re going for a cup, I’d rather it be the Champions League.
The January transfer window is still open, of course. How desperate are you for another incoming deal to be done?
The squad still needs to be reinforced, especially in the midfield. Liverpool need three midfielders for next season: a pure defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, and an attacking midfielder. So even if you are comfortable with where Liverpool stand with Jude Bellingham, that’s still a lot of work to do in a single summer transfer window.
Arthur Melo clearly hasn’t worked out, which tells us that the club likely realizes the need for more players in midfield still exists. There has to be a midfield option who can come into the club and contribute right away, even if it isn’t the splashiest signing.
Anything else to mention?
I know there’s a lot of frustration at the moment, but I just want to say how fun it is to watch Nuñez play week in and week out, and the conversation around his finishing has gotten a bit comical at this point. He’s top of the league in non-penalty expected goals and expected assists per 90 minutes at an astounding 1.07, even ahead of Haaland (FBref).
Other than Haaland — who edges ahead when penalties are factored in — nobody is even close. It’s not going to take much more than a slight change in his luck before we see Nuñez bagging goals in bunches.
Source: newsnow
