LIVERPOOL VS WOLVES: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host Wolves tonight as they aim to intensify their chase for a top four spot. ‘Every game is a Champions League qualifier’ was the manager’s cry in his press conference. Here’s how we expect him to line his side up for the encounter. For a match preview, you can head over here.

The manager in his pre-match presser confirmed that Ibrahima Konaté and Darwin Nunez took part in training and hadn’t shown any adverse effects following respective hamstring and shoulder injuries.

There could be a handful of changes after a hectic fortnight for the Reds. The manager has options to refresh his squad to keep the intensity levels up. Even with Diaz, Gomez and Thiago out, there were still 26 players in training over the past few days.

In goal, Alisson Becker will continue. The Brazilian stopper has kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time this campaign in a run of four clean sheets in the last five. Opponents Wolves are the only side to score past Alisson over this period.

In defence, we should see a number of changes. Firstly, the returning Konaté will likely start ahead of Matip who has looked incredibly shaky since the turn of the year. Ibou and Virgil (the partnership that started last year’s Champions League final) have only started four games together this campaign.

We should also see one of the full backs handed a breather here. With Trent looking completely out of it at Selhurst Park on Saturday night, he could be the one to make way, with veteran James Milner filling in at right back.

Robertson will be asked to go again on the left but could be taken off for Tsimikas as the game progresses. It is crucial the manager gets it right in terms of rest and rotation to avoid any further injuries.

In midfield, the skipper has put loads of energy into the last couple of games and could be taken out of the firing line tonight. Henderson, who is going on 33, will have to be used sparingly if he’s to keep offering the drive and intensity he’s been known for over the years.

Fabinho and Bajcetic started off the bench at Palace and are in line to be restored to the starting XI tonight. With Keita putting in a dreadful display that saw him dragged off at halftime on Saturday, it is highly unlikely he’ll be handed another start here.

Harvey Elliott is an option despite failing to impact the game when he came on last time out. He remains the only player to feature in every single fixture across all competitions for the Reds this campaign. The manager’s trust in him is in no doubt.

In attack, we could see Darwin return to the starting lineup after missing the trip to London over the weekend. He will line up on the left wing again, with Jurgen Klopp likely to avoid handing Diogo Jota a second start in five days. The Portuguese international has missed a lot of football and will have to be eased back.

Cody Gakpo looked jaded on Saturday night, and who can blame him? He’s started every single game since his work permit was processed, leading the line and putting in a tireless effort every time. He could be rotated tonight, with Roberto Firmino ready to come in from the start.

Bobby has featured off the bench in each of the last four matches following his recovery from a calf injury. In his absence, Gakpo has been doing a solid impression of him but the stage is set for the original version to remind everyone of his qualities tonight.

It wouldn’t hurt the ongoing negotiations over a contract extension either, with his current deal running out in the summer. When Bobby plays well, Liverpool tend to play well. His ability to connect teammates and knit attacking moves together is second to none. Hopefully he’s blown off the rust that has been evident since his return.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Milner, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Elliott, Bajcetic, Salah, Firmino, Darwin.

Subs: Kelleher, Matip, Tsimikas, Henderson, Keita, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jota, Gakpo.