Liverpool line-ups vs Wolves as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota decisions made
Our writers pick their respective teams for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Wolves at Anfield on Sunday
Liverpool have the perfect chance to bounce back from a double disappointment this week. Struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers are the visitors on Sunday in the Premier League.
The Reds were denied a memorable win at Goodison Park on Wednesday as Everton struck late to snatch a 2-2 draw. That result followed a shock exit to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup a few days earlier.
A win for Arsenal against Leicester City on Saturday means the gap Liverpool have at the top is back down to four points, although Arne Slot will expect to see his side rebuild their seven-point cushion against Vitor Pereira's relegation battlers.
Paul Gorst. Ian Doyle and Theo Squires will all be in attendance to cover the game later today. This is how they would each line the Reds team up...
Ian Doyle
It may not have quite the profile as some of Liverpool's other Premier League games during the ongoing busy period. But the ultimate prize of three points remains the same for the visit of Wolves.
What, then, is Reds boss Arne Slot to do? There will be some changes, but it's unlikely there will be too much rotation.
Certainly not in goal, where Alisson Becker remains, while both Ibrahima Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk stay at centre-back. At left-back, Andy Robertson has edged ahead of Kostas Tsimikas but Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to come back in for Conor Bradley at right-back.
Curtis Jones would have featured in midfield but for his post-match Goodison red card. Instead, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister continue as the double pivot and Dominik Szoboszlai as the number 10.
And there's no reason to risk Cody Gakpo in attack, so Luis Diaz can shift across to the left, Mohamed Salah stays on the right and Darwin Nunez can come in down the centre.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.
Theo Squires
Liverpool will look to return to winning ways and restore their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table at home to struggling Wolves on Sunday. Not at their best away at Everton in midweek, it is important they respond well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold can return at right-back in place of Conor Bradley, with the rest of the back five unchanged, while the midfield picks itself in the absence of the suspended Curtis Jones.
I wouldn’t be taking any risks with Cody Gakpo after he suffered a knock against Everton, with Luis Diaz starting on the left as a result. The Dutchman can be limited to bench duty, held back for Aston Villa and Manchester City instead if possible.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota gets the nod at number nine against his former club, just about seeing off the challenge of Darwin Nunez. With the centre-forward position at Liverpool very much one that remains up for grabs, it is up to the Portuguese to make the most of his next audition.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Paul Gorst
Another big week seven days for Liverpool starts with the chance to go seven clear at the top of the Premier League once more.
This, on paper at least, appears to be the most straightforward given it’s trips to Aston Villa and Manchester City next but I am not expecting too many changes.
I’m bringing in Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back alongside Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
In midfield, it’s Harvey Elliott getting the nod over Dominik Szoboszlai, who was not at his best against the Everton. The Hungary captain can rest up with those games to come next week.
Up top, it’s a start for Diogo Jota - his first in the Premier League since October - against his former club. Luis Diaz drops out. He and Darwin Nunez can wait in the wings on the bench.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Elliott, Gakpo; Jota.
