Arne Slot has vowed he will name a “strong lineup” in the second game against Wolves this week, though it would not be a surprise to see a few changes for the FA Cup tie.
Tuesday’s defeat brought all too familiar issues that have plagued Liverpool this season, and now there is a return to the scene of the crime for a place in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Slot did caveat the strength of his lineup against the knowledge of “how many games we are playing,” meaning it would not be a surprise if a handful of regular starters are named on the bench.
Liverpool cannot afford to leave Molineux with a second successive defeat, however, so let’s take a look at who Slot could start on Friday evening.
Liverpool team news vs. Wolves: Wirtz could get a “few minutes”
Florian Wirtz returned to parts of training this week, with the best-case scenario described as a few minutes off the bench.
No injuries from Tuesday’s defeat, with Slot confirming he will name a “strong” lineup for Friday’s cup tie.
Liverpool remain without Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak.
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs. Wolves
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's substitutes Joe Gomez (L) and Andy Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot made only one change to his lineup on Tuesday, but there is the potential for four in the cup, with minute management the root cause.
Jeremie Frimpong played 72 minutes in his first start after a five-game injury absence, and he was name-checked by the head coach as a player to be cautious with, leaving Joe Gomez as his suitable replacement at right-back.
Andy Robertson has not started any of the last four games and will offer something different while affording Milos Kerkez a break.
In midfield, as Alexis Mac Allister could struggle to back up for the 70-hour turnaround, Curtis Jones is the obvious replacement to sit alongside Ryan Gravenberch after each playing 45 minutes last time out.
Finally, with Slot saying there is a “possibility to bring a different quality in” as a response to Tuesday’s defeat, Rio Ngumoha could start on the left as Hugo Ekitike drops out:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Slot previously explained that he will decide his FA Cup goalkeeper on a game-by-game basis, and there has been little to suggest Giorgi Mamardashvili will get a look in over Alisson.
There are a few others who feel immovable from the lineup, for several reasons, including Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool Lineup
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As for Ibrahima Konate, Slot could look to rest the Frenchman by starting Gomez in his place and naming Jones at right-back, leaving Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in midfield.
And after another lacklustre outing, Cody Gakpo could be the player to drop out for Ngumoha, leaving Ekitike to continue to lead the line for the eighth time in nine games:
Alisson; Jones, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitike
In an ideal world, Slot could respond to Tuesday’s defeat by making a statement with his starting lineup, but he does not have the options nor a long leash when it comes to cup progression.
Liverpool have to start with more impetus than they did on Tuesday, as Wolves will come into the match with confidence and a stronger XI after leaving out a few key players earlier in the week.
There is no flexibility for anything but a win, and Liverpool have to come with the right mentality to make that happen.