Nunez, Carvalho And Keita To Start, Gakpo On The Bench: Liverpool’s Predicted XI To Face Wolves

After a disastrous result against Brighton at the Amex on Saturday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be looking to ring the changes when they play Wolves in the FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday night.

As Trent Alexander-Arnold said after the game at the weekend, it was an “unacceptable” performance from the Reds; one that they will be keen to put right as soon as possible.

With Wolves on a high after securing a vital win over West Ham, this is not going to be an easy game for Klopp’s men, especially with the fixture being at Molineux.

Press the next page as we predict Liverpool’s starting lineup for the match.

GK – Alisson

After handing Wolves their first goal in the game at Anfield, the Brazilian will be hoping for a much better display this time around.

To be honest with you, Alisson is the only player who has actually met expectations with his performances this season.

With that being the case, it would be harsh to be too critical after just one error.

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 24-year-old was asked to push much higher up against Brighton by Klopp.

It turned out to be a disastrous decision, with the Reds being left exposed on counter-attacks with just three at the back.

Expect Alexander-Arnold to play a lot deeper against Wolves, but that will have an impact on the team’s creativity in the final third.

CB – Joe Gomez

Joel Matip made a calamitous error for Brighton’s opener at the weekend, and it may be wise to take him out of the firing line for one or two games.

Saying that, though, Gomez hasn’t exactly been playing well, so it will be hoped the centre-back can find some form versus Wolves.

Whether that will happen, it is open for debate, with his confidence being rather low currently.

CB – Ibrahima Konate

Even when Virgil van Dijk was fit, the Frenchman has been far and away the Reds’ best centre-half.

Despite the high line being constantly breached, he has used his pace to cover ground and close down opposition attacks.

Considering how often Konate is being exposed, though, he simply doesn’t have the time to put out all of the fires.

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

The Greek international was subbed at halftime in his last game against Brentford.

It suggests Klopp isn’t particularly happy with Tsimikas’s performances at the moment.

After being left on the bench for the first game against Wolves, though, you would think that the fullback will return to the starting lineup for this one so as to give Andy Robertson a rest.

CM – Harvey Elliott

With the exception of Arthur, most of Liverpool’s midfield options are fit and available.

However, they are all performing as poorly as one another so it’s difficult to decide who should be picked.

Elliott could be brought in to give the Reds some legs in the middle of the park, although Curtis Jones is another potential candidate that Klopp could consider.

CM – Fabinho

The 29-year-old looks a shadow of his former self, but it’s hard to see anyone else being asked to play in the number six role.

Jordan Henderson would be the alternative but he is, arguably, playing worse than Fabinho.

It means Klopp may look to stick with the Brazilian international for now.

CM – Naby Keita

The Guinean is fit, which is a rarity, and he does offer the Reds something different in the middle of the park.

Keita’s progressive passing and his positive intent on the ball means he does present a direct threat to the opposition from deeper positions.

Giving the midfielder a long run in the team could well be considered if (and it’s a big ‘if’) he can stay fit for long enough.

RW – Mo Salah

The Egyptian is being starved of possession but, even when he does receive the ball, his first touch is heavy and he looks totally disinterested.

He is so far off his best levels at the moment, which is surprising considering that he didn’t go to the World Cup. He should have been raring to go after the tournament.

There are growing questions about whether offering Salah a bumper new contract was the right decision.

CF – Darwin Nunez

It doesn’t seem as though the Uruguayan international has a serious injury so he should be back in contention for the Wolves game.

Nunez’s energy and attacking intent was missed against Brighton and it will be hoped he is available to start at Molineux.

Despite missing a number of chances this season, the striker is a constant goal threat and he gives the Reds an added dimension up front

LW – Fabio Carvalho

After two rather underwhelming performances by Cody Gakpo, it seems clear that the Dutchman may need time to settle in.

This could be a good time to get Carvalho some game time with the 20-year-old being absent from the team since the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Considering he scored in that match, it is a surprise that we haven’t seen him much since then.