Liverpool have a busy week in store, with two trips to Wolves and a Round of 16 first leg for Arne Slot to tackle.
With that in mind, there will have to be a strategic approach to player selection — one that ensures Liverpool have enough firepower to win each game without running the risk of slipping back into an injury crisis.
It’s a delicate balance for Slot to strike, and we will get a better idea of where his priorities are with regards to the three competitions Liverpool are still in.
Liverpool have to lose one of the two games vs Wolves, which do you pick?
Out of the cup or top four hopes take a hit?
FA Cup trophy is pictured on display ahead of the fourth round clash between Macclesfield Town and Brentford (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse). The Premier League trophy pictured at Anfield before Liverpool's final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill/Danehouse/Julian Finney
It makes the most sense to give players the necessary rest during Friday’s FA Cup clash, especially because we should have the measure of Wolves by then.
So don’t expect much change from the standard league lineup. Here’s what Rousing The Kop think Slot will do.
Liverpool back to full strength at the back
Alisson Becker will hope to keep up his brilliant form, conceding just two goals in his last four games — both during Liverpool’s 5-2 win against West Ham.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are equally responsible, and will continue in front of the Brazilian.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Milos Kerkez on the left, and Jeremie Frimpong returning to the starting lineup on the right. Slot said he will be managing Frimpong’s minutes in his press conference, and there’s every chance he goes for a safer bet in Joe Gomez, but it goes back to the timing of the games.
Frimpong has played 15 minutes in the past month or so. His attacking impact could play a big part in the more open Champions League. I think play him on Tuesday for 60 minutes, give Gomez the start on Friday and have Frimpong ready for Galatasaray.
jEREMIE fRIMPONG DURING lIVERPOOL VS wEST HAM
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Not much wiggle room for Arne Slot in midfield
With Florian Wirtz ruled out by Slot, it makes the midfield decisions rather straightforward.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch should get the nod here.
Wolves have a couple of quality players manning the engine room in Andre and Joao Gomes. It’s an area that could be the deciding factor, especially in a hostile Molineux environment.
Curtis Jones can then start in the FA Cup.
No Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool’s XI, yet
There’s more choice in the forward areas, but we think it will be more of the same from Slot — Mo Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
And the reasoning is similar to choosing Frimpong. The cup tie is just a better time to give starters a break. The hope is that by then, we will have dispatched Rob Edwards’ side once and will have the momentum in our favour.
Ngumoha has to start on Friday, though. Has to.
Boring, but does anybody really see Slot pulling a surprise selection?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Wolves TalkingPoints
Liverpool predicted XI vs Wolves TalkingPoints
It’s worth remembering, though, that Wolves have more at stake in the FA Cup, with relegation now almost guaranteed.
For Liverpool, though, this is a tight three-game stretch. Minutes have to be managed carefully.
Wolves should be beatable in both fixtures, and we absolutely cannot go to Istanbul and not perform.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox