Jurgen Klopp has a number of selection decisions to consider on the trip to Wolves, which include suspensions, injuries and a late return from international duty
The international break is over and we can all rejoice. But it’s an early start for the Reds in a season they didn’t much like last season. Let’s hope the record sees a change in fortunes, starting with Wolves, as Liverpool look to add to the 10 points they have picked up from the first four games of the season.
Klopp has a lot to consider when picking his squad, with the international break playing a big part in his final decisions.
We will make the calls and so they can play at Molineux.
There were a number of issues that needed to be addressed and Klopp helped with the latest squad update:
Virgil van Dijk was penalized for his reaction to the red card
Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable with a hamstring injury
“Two Days Trained” by Ibrahima Konate is available.
Darwin Nunez ‘should be fine’, Thiago ‘working’ but not available
There are less obvious options at right-back than Joe Gomez, but Liverpool’s position on the ball will change as the No.2 and No.66 are certainly different profiles.
The reshuffle sees Konate move back into central defense alongside Joel Matip in what would be his third start in one league since the start of the 2022/23 season.
Alexis Mac Allister could well start from the bench after his late return to Liverpool, while it would be no surprise to see two changes in the front three.
This would represent four changes from the last time the Reds took to the pitch:
Gomez to take on right-back duties in Alexander-Arnold’s absence
Konate returns next to Matip in central defence
Endo back in the XI as Jones retains place on left
This is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Konate, Robertson; Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo
The abovementioned lineup is what we are likely to see, but Klopp could surprise us with a fresh face and a durable Mac Allister.
A start is probably too soon for new signing Ryan Gravenberch but Liverpool’s World Cup winner could yet be named in the XI if he is deemed to have recovered well from his late return after 162 minutes with Argentina.
After 180 intense minutes for Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas could be looked at after he played only 90 during the break though this would mean further changes to the back-line.
Tsimikas to take over from Robertson for ‘fresher’ legs
Mac Allister puts his hand up to join Jones and Szoboszlai
Salah, Jota and Gakpo to make up front three
These tweaks would see the Reds shape up as follow
Whatever the personnel Klopp selects for his XI, they ought to have enough firepower to get the job done against a Wolves side who have won one of their four games so far. However, the Reds have a dismal record in 12.30 starts, going six times without a win last season. It’s safe to say it needs a change!
We saw Gravenberch participate on the bench for the first time since his move and we hope that his first experience will be full of players.
